ALBUM REVIEW: Shun – Shun

Releasing an album at any stage of a band’s career is always a special time. Albums mark specific eras for the band and act as time capsules. The debut album is the most important record a band can create. It’s the band’s introduction to the dance and they’re hoping someone will have a dance saved for them. On June 4th, Asheville, North Carolina natives SHUN hijack the DJ’s stage with their self-titled effort.

The four-piece; Matt Whitehead [vocals/guitars], Scott Brandon [guitars], Jeff Baucom [bass], and Rob Elzey [drums], plan to serenade the listener with heavy rock riffs and the dulcet tones of sultry vocals. Recorded separately in isolation, SHUN maintain an unpretentious garage rock sound.

Opening act Run blends heavy groove with lighter melody to get the party started. Attitude radiates through the speakers. As Whitehead’s vocals filter through, the listener’s given a layer of devil may care fuzz. Exhibiting shades of early grunge, the vocals demand your attention to be legible. A downside to brooding deliveries is having to rely on ‘replayability’. Do SHUN have that particular X factor? Add a slower interlude into the mix and Run grinds to a halt. The solo picks the pace up again, yet many may not want to resume the chase.

As Shun blooms, high school proms transform into Smells Like Teen Spirit vibes. The jam session vibe of Sleepwalking bathes the room in hazy yellow light. Undone’s billowing melody takes us to the dance floor for an awkward swaying session to bass heavy riffs. Whitehead’s cool sighs of “Hold me like you wanna be held” holds nervous teenage energy.

Rumination is the name of the game with album closer Once Again. “Broken hands dipped in kerosene” oozes early SOUNDGARDEN in its morosity. While the big rock driven chorus drags Once Again out of bed, the song soon lounges on the couch instead. The fuzzy guitar and buzzy bass paints SHUN in a smoky living room, strung out on misery. SHUN soon shifts from the sofa, to take another hit. Thus the spiral begins again with quickening drums and dripping licks. While there are magic roundabouts we would stay on for a while, Once Again has us spinning out of novelty’s warm glow.

With the circumstances SHUN had to work with, it’s admirable they were able to create an album in the first place. Yet their vision becomes lost in translation. With the cinematic A Wooden House and a guest spot from LAMB OF GOD’s Mark Morton on Heese, this could have been a gem. That doesn’t mean SHUN’s effort should be completely written off. SHUN may not be belle of the ball, yet with polishing, potential dance partners will be lining the streets.

Rating: 5/10

Shun is out now via Small Stone Records.

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