CD Review: Shark Hat
There is something special about an unaffected rock band. In today's climate of post-pop, anti-folk and Norse metal, it's hard to navigate your ship of need through the egoberg-infested waters of rock and roll. Shark Hat is a New York-area band that can pilot your ship and keep you heady with magic as your toes dip into the frigid waters of reality.
The influences here are '60s rock with a healthy dose of funk and blues. "Hold up!" you say, and I say, "Yeah!" The sounds vary from detailed pirouettes to the ballsy hammer of the gods. Organ tones curl lovingly around the two guitars, which shape-shift like hungry vampires. Drums and piano converse like a scientist and his prima-ballerina lover, and the bass chaperones this exotic orgy like a suave secret agent. "Where am I?" you ask. You are inside Shark Hat. "What is that?" you ask, and I flash you the look like the one you get when you're at a live show gabbing on your cell phone. Shut up and feel the music!
Three different lead vocalists are at play on this disc. There are no weak links here; each is talented enough that you should be trying to get backstage at their next gig. The combined effect of the three is like a Frank Sinatra-Van Morrison cocktail. You might think, Uh, is that good? But whoever thought of pairing tequila and lime juice? Or fried ova and innards? (Eggs 'n' sausage, anyone?)
Rocking out isn't about how cool your hair is or how much boob you can expose while keeping to your tight choreography. Five talented guys jamming with fire and pluck should make you want to give up your unhealthy pop obsessions. So don't expect radio-trimmed shorties on this album. The briefest song is over four minutes, AND IT'S IN ITALIAN! The fact that Shark Hat not only attempts this feat but actually pulls it off makes me want to hug and kiss men. Ci abbracciamo!
Serving suggestions:
1. You, a glass of wine, a dimly lit room and Shark Hat
2. #1, plus someone you want to learn Italian with
3. Hold a séance with this soundtrack, and commune with mysterious forces while you listen
Visit www.sharkhat.net to listen to song samples, find live dates and order a CD.
In a nutshell: I used the words unaffected, talented and abbracciamo ‑- what else could you possibly need?
