ALBUM REVIEW: Go Your Own Way – Shyyne

There is only one goal SHYYNE have in mind when creating music: to have as much fun as possible. Their live shows are packed with laughter and energy, and their positive, laid back style comes through in everything they do. The Wolverhampton based four-piece was formed in 2015, and having released their debut album and an EP, the band signed to WDFD Records in 2019 for their brand new album, Go You Own Way. But how does it compare to their previous output?

The record kicks off with the sleazy number Say Goodbye, muted riffs layered with a catchy intro solo recall glam legends like MÖTLEY CRÜE right from the start. Toni Gale’s vocal style can only be described as a slightly softer Brian Johnson, a great tone which is perfectly fitting for their musical style. Movin’ On again brings in a more complex style of intro riff which works really well, and the track continues at a slow and laid back pace. Promising a heavier and more fast-paced track, Feeling Fine comes in with chugging guitars and a thick bass sound which can be heard very well in the mix, but the track doesn’t quite deliver and things revert back to that relaxed pace. 

There’s not a whole lot of variety on this record, as Broken Down Girl again starts with a well-written riff and fades into more of a background-listening track. Title track Go Your Own Way is the strongest track on the album, retro-style guitars create a POISON-esque sound. It’s clear these guys know how to write catchy music, but there’s something lacking. Perhaps in such a goal to pay tribute to the 80s, they haven’t allowed their own styles and ideas to come into the mix. Show Me follows suit with a spoken vocal style which works well for the track. Gale’s vocals have a lot of potential but it would be great to hear him put more power into his singing, longer held notes and a more variety would work really well and create more distinction between the tracks. 

Layered riffs and a fuller sound are blended together in Take Me Down to create a VAN HALEN kind of style. The chorus is the catchiest in this one, something which would be good to emulate in the rest of the tracks. State of Mind again brings us no real contrast from the rest of the songs, there are some nice harmonies and backing vocals here but it’s more a nice soundtrack for hearing in the background as you hang out in a rock bar, not exceptional as a standalone experience. Following suit, Shut Up, Ain’t a Crime and Friday Nite bring the exact same energy and style, giving the impression that SHYYNE would be much better live, perhaps bringing the energy and passion that is a little lacking recorded.

Go Your Own Way does exactly what it says on the tin, it’s a fun-loving, laid back tribute to the 80s hair metal style. The musicianship is strong and the vocals have a lot of potential, but there is nothing new or gripping about it. Mark Wilkin’s guitar work stands out and carries this record, he clearly has an ear for writing effective and simple riffs which weave throughout the songs and make for more interesting listening. If you just love any 80s throwback or you want something easy-going to put on in the background of a summer barbecue, check this out, but if you are looking for something varied and complex, this isn’t it. 

Rating: 6/10

Go Your Own Way is out now via WDFD Records. 

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