The Shang Hi Los “Aces Eights & Heartbreaks”
The Shang Hi Los are Jen D’Angora (Vocals and Guitar), Dan Kopko (Vocals and Guitar), Lee Harrington (Bass and Vocals), and Chuck Ferreira (Drums and Percussion). Kopko knows a good guitar anthem, as he’s done them with his previous band Watts. From the opening track, “Takes One To Know One,” it’s clear that the band is firing on all cylinders, with driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a frenetic energy that is impossible to resist.
Jen D’Angora owns “Monsieur Valentine,” a catchy mid-tempo ballad that really stands out. “Plymouth Rock” is a rambunctious, foot-stomping anthem that’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days. The band’s chemistry is evident in each song, creating a sound that is both polished and raw. “Billy” adds a little Ennio Morricone, and “Victoria’s Garden” recalls a lost Blondie single. With only nine tracks, it’s considered an EP – but there is no filler here. Highly Recommended.
Baby Scream “Castell de Pop”
Argentinian musician Juan Pablo Mazzola returns with a sparse acoustic guitar and a series of songs that questions the nature of life. In some ways, this is the most depressing soul-searching he has done. As a “Castaway” in the opening track his darkness “comes and goes” but on “Kill Your Idols” he plunges into the black with resignation, as he cries “Nobody’s gonna help you with your hell/So you might as well pretend you are doing well.” The tender “Back Home” adds Ky Anto and its a bright spot, plus “Chillin'” explores the joys of a quiet day.
Often I’ve compared Juan to John Lennon in approach. “Panic Room” recalls this if Lennon got paranoid and yelled, “everyone to go fuck themselves.” The gentle guitar couplet on the title track is another highlight, but the heavy emotional nature of the material might put off some. Still, this is an album that deserves to be heard.
