Sheer Mag- II EP Review

Sheer Mag
II EP
Katorga Works Records/ Wilsuns RC

Rock music has not totally ran out of ideas just yet. While Sheer Mag influences remain obvious that does not make their music any less catchy or enthralling. The Philadelphia rock band take a classic and by this point overdone sound and breathe new life into it. Refreshing the sound of crunchy 70s guitar rock music the likes of Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top pioneered, lead singer Christina Halladay brings an infectious attitude and swagger to this short set of tracks that would make Marc Bolan proud. Her voice is booming and soulful as the echo effect on her microphone gives it a piercing and memorable quality that should please any Janis Joplin or Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes fan. Halladay shines no brighter than on the first track, “Fan the Flames” where the energetic chorus places the spotlight directly on her. 

The remaining three tracks on the EP feature Kyle Seely’s dirty fuzz guitar licks at their forefront. Both “Travelin’ On” and “Whose Side are You On” contain quick guitar solos that show Seely’s comfort level within a blues rock groove that makes every comparison this band gets to Lynyrd Skynyrd appropriate. Seely does make this sound his own though and adds in a nice loop and delay pedal effects into the solo on “Whose Side are You On” that gives the track a unique touch to a sound that rarely explores such effects. He and his brother Hart Seely on the bass create a platform that allows Christiana Halladay to wail her rowdy dissident lyrics that could not sound more natural or effective. On “Button Up” the self-proclaimed “bad bitch” could not be any more convincing as she leads the listener through her life manifesto which contains a very punk rock aesthetic. This EP should excite fans and newcomers alike not only for the quality music contained here, but the potential Sheer Mag possesses. This is a young band that still has yet to maximize its abilities in the form of a full length release. After this second excellent EP in a row Sheer Mag will have the attention of rock fans when its inevitable forthcoming full-length release happens.

7/10  

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Tom K. 

4/27/2015  
Listen to this release here and consider supporting the band!:  https://sheermag.bandcamp.com/