A few weeks ago Dying Scene rolled out a “new band intro” for these super-tight-sounding Dutch cats in Great Shakes. You may recall there are also members in the band from the sovereign state of Belgium, and now thanks to writing for Dying Scene I know those countries are right next to each other. In my defense, though, I do live in Texas, so I only have to know where Texas is, because everywhere else is too far away – but punk rock transcends geographical boundaries and personal projections in ways that amaze me more and more with each new encounter. Great Shakes is no different. They hit the nail on the head with an epic self-titled LP and I’m proud as a kitten tiptoeing a booby-trap to premiere it for you today.
Great Shakes LP is full of familiar and relatable themes: four best buds groping at the seems of tragic existence through relationship struggles and the aether of existential dread, the importance of a good friend, finding lasting companionship and living on for better days. It’s pop punk mixed with a California rock and roll sound, heavily influenced by Hot Water Music and Social D, a little bit of the East Coast (America) like Bouncing Souls, and there ya’ go we’ve just gone off the map. Really, what it is – Great Shakes – It’s new. It’s catchy and really good, and I think you’re going to like it.
Great Shakes’ self-titled album is their debut on the world. It releases October 25 on Shield Recordings and you can pre-order a digital copy here. Stream the early premiere ahead of time, exclusively below. Cheers scenesters!