Shaker Hymn - Do You Think You're Clever?

by Anthony Strutt

published: 16 / 6 / 2016

Shaker Hymn - Do You Think You're Clever?

Label: Heavy Noids
Format: CDS

Fine debut from hotly-tipped Cork-based alternative rock outfit, the Shaker Hymn

Review

The Shaker Hymn are a great new outfit from Cork in Ireland that play songs that very much hint at the past but who then bring them firmly up to date. 'I Don't Ever Want to See the World', the opening track on their debut album 'Do You Think You're Clever?' is slowly delivered in a manner worthy of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds but has a more commercial edge. The first thing that hits you about 'Waters of Sea Change' is the familiar jangle of its Johnny Marr-shaped guitar chords, while Caoilian Sherlock's vocals take their influence from early 21st century Britpop. 'Sucking It Out' is reminiscent of the Beatles, a very clever 'Come Together'- paced tune, while Caoilian's vocal has a 70's Lennon element. As it reaches the middle, it starts to sound like a prog rock Supergrass. The foot-tapping 'Hole in the Head' is like a dreamy Richard Ashcroft number, while the title track, 'Do You Think You're Clever?' recalls again a faster, trendy Supergrass. 'Trophy Child' is like a sharper-edged Britpop classic, and 'Baltic Heart' combines country twang with the drive of the Verve. 'High and Humbled' drifts along gently and pleasantly, while 'Another One of You' combines Verve-like grace with the added bonus of Harrison/Clapton-like lead guitar. 'The Age of Reason', which closes the album, is a soul-searching number which will be enough to please Ashcroft's fan base ten times over, while the production comes over like that of George Martin.

Track Listing:-

1 I Don't Ever Want To See The World
2 Waters Of Sea Change
3 Sucking It Out
4 Hole In The Head
5 Do You Think You're Clever?
6 Trophy Child
7 Baltic Heart
8 High & Humbled
9 Another One Of You
10 The Age Of Reason