Release date: June 21, 2018
Format: Digital
Label: Thousand Island Records, Crack Records, 206 Records
Location: Ontario, Canada
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Current Members:
Dan – Vocals & Guitar
Todd – Guitar & B.Vocals
Andrew – Bass & B.Vocals
Steve – Drums
Sounds Like: The Penske File, Filthy Hearts, Oh See Demons, The Follow Ups, The Brie Face
Favorite Tracks: Recovery, Reasons, Straight To Hell, Sorry, Vicious Memory, and One Man Show.
I have seen so many articles in the last few years with the headline, “Rock Is Dead”. The phrase commonly used by journalists to hook a reader. This phrase usually describes how EDM and Hip Hop/pop are destroying the popularity of good old fashioned rock n roll. I get Dan Ozzi’s point that mainstream rock is dying only to survive in genres and sects. His intro, “The phrase “rock is dead” makes people angry. Whisper it in seclusion at the top of the Himalayas and 30 people in CBGB shirts will materialise to drop some well, actuallys… on you.” Did video really kill the radio star, or did big media?
Rock N Roll will always survive even in tiny little amounts. Guitars will still shred and people will still bang their heads. My point is if the main pop rock industry is dying we NEED to support rock’s genres and sects.
We as a people need start buying physical copies and more merch. Can’t make that punk show you really wanted to see? Hit the band’s website and order their discog or a t-shirt.
My rant leads me into some kick ass punks from Ontario, Canada, Shift – D. Their brand new ep releases today, ‘This Message Will Self Destruct’. This ep contains some great melodic, yet semi hardcore tracks.
Let’s break these down track by track in pure CPRA fashion. “Recovery”, is by far my absolute favorite track on the record. This song is pure angry political punk rock. The lyrics on this are fucking amazing. I can definitely see this one playing on some majors.
“Stop right now
Take a look around and I’ll tell you what I see
Disconnected humans staring down towards their feet
Maligned and angry
Spouting hating everything
All the while they hide behind their pixelated screens
As I look back at myself that sounds a lot like me
But I’m working hard on breaking free
from the anger inside me
Cause I’m well on my way to a road of recovery”.
That’s some pretty powerful shit, combined with some awesome shreds on guitar, great vocals and drums. It definitely make we want to break shit, yet it remains hopeful for change.
Let’s move on to, “Reasons”. I really love the message. This is true, as we coined it, “Break Up Punk”. We all look for reasons to hang onto something that’s falling apart. This has a very melodic sound it.
“Crowns And Anchors”, slows it down a little. It takes reference from the dice game, named the same. We are all rolling the dice in the game of life. This is another melodic gem. “Straight To Hell”, comes back ripping. The drums are fantastic backed by Dan’s vocals. It’s angry, yet poetic. Again this one has a strong chance of landing on the major airwaves.
“Sorry”, brings back the melodic with hardcore mix. This is song is about growing up and taking personal accountability. On to “Vicious Memory”, another more on the hardcore almost rock n roll side. I really love the chorus, guitar and bass; they seem to blend seamlessly together. “One Man Show” has a simple and lovely reggae/ska sound. This song is beautifully written.
Alright I bet you’re done with my mumblings, ok, pure self-genius thought. Let’s wrap this one up. Canadian Punk is keeping, Rock N Roll very alive. Almost all of the Canadian punk albums I’ve listened to. Almost seem to have their own story lines. I think this aspect is what makes you remember your favorite albums and why others may seem more forgettable. Speaking of forgettable songs, Bad Religions new song, “The Kids Are Alt-Right”, is pretty damn forgettable. Did some tour roadie drop this in Greg’s bag?
Shift-D’s new ep has a storyline and we fucking love it.
“This Message Will Self-Destruct”, is an 8 track experience through the eyes of punk rock. The different and intriguing sounds they bring leave the listener wanting more. Oh and by the way you can as of today. Buy their entire discography on bandcamp for $11.70! That’s fucking wicked!
Links:
Website: http://www.shift-dmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shift.D96/
Bandcamp: https://shiftd.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1N4wMmNMZy8SpH9OABWYfo
CPRA Spotify June Reviews Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/coloradocelticpunkrockarmy/playlist/7HjfPGhWOVpByOa6gPNQSd
