Sharks

Back awhile, Sharks came together to take the world by storm except that it didn’t quite work out and until recently they have always been one of those “whatever happened to …” bands. Come forward a few years and after the sad demise of founding bassist Andy Fraser (fresh from playing with Free) they were brought back together for a film about the band. During the sessions for that project the remaining members – Chris Spedding, Nick Judd and Steve Parsons (aka Snips) found that they actually still enjoyed playing together and decided to give it a go. Recruiting Paul Cook on drums (yes the ex-Pistols founder member) and Tosh Ogawa on bass and with a fresh bunch of songs this is the result.

And bloody fine it is too!
There isn’t really a weak track.

Opener ‘Yaya Pop’ is loaded with pugnacious funk, Chris Spedding laying down some great riffing and Parsons vocals growling and confident as hell – one you can’t help but boogie to.

‘The Complete History Of Soul Music’ again has a riff that nags at you, Ogawa’s bass rumbling and popping in the back and Cook’s drums setting a beat. The production on the number is awesome, covering changes and moods without ever swamping the song. The final disco segment is very Chic and the backing vocals from Jade Williams take it to the bank.

The opening to ‘One Last Thrill’ leads you into a rollercoaster of a number; darkly intense one moment and pleading the next. Yet again guitar that adds to the melody and doesn’t dominate and a history of Soul music to add to the fun.
The album really is one killer track after the other.

Each song can be taken in isolation but as you delve into the album you are struck track after track by just how good a vocalist Snips is and how damn good a guitarist Spedding but also how good as a songwriting pair these two are. The other shock, for me, is just how fine Paul Cook’s drumming is – he has been involved in some fine bands since the Pistols but here he really adds to the band’s mojo.

Great rock album, just that and no more.