Shambles- Shambles EP
Record Label: Self-released
Release Date: January 16th, 2012
Pop-punk has a habit of being classified these days. There are bands that continue to define the genre today (The Wonder Years, The Story So Far), bands that successfully dip their toes in different styles (Fireworks, I Am The Avalanche) and then there's the groups that focus more on the "fun" aspect of pop-punk rather than venturing into greener pastures.
While this self-titled EP from Shambles may fall into the third category, that can hardly be held against them. Just refer to the quick-paced, Screeching Weasel influence on "ATL... DTF?" and deny me some foot stomping. Go ahead...I dare you. Throwbacks to late 90's and early 00's run rampant throughout the songs, while the beginning of "Wait, So Umm, You Eat Chicken, Right?" takes more of a heavy, straightforward rock sound (much like new Four Year Strong).
Ridiculous song titles abound, this EP also has its faults, including some occasionally unpleasent guitar work and not-so-in-tune gang vocals (the worst offender of this being "Everybody's In Love With Someone Who Isn't You"). Despite this, Shambles keep up the pace with genuinely fun pop-punk tunes ("Yep, 27 And Still Writing Pop-Punk" and "I Award You No Points And May God Have Mercy On Your Soul"). Shambles certainly kicks it up a notch with the more-punk-than-pop, Alkaline Trio-esque "Yeah, From The Worcester Days".
In the end, Shambles' self-titled EP comes down to it's own kind of tunes. This is road trip music, the sound of four guys writing and releasing upbeat pop-punk music on their own. It leaves us with curiosity, keeping an ear out to hear what kind of leaps and bounds this band could take next.
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Artist Profile
View News Articles
Stream the Music
Buy the Album or MP3s
Follow This Review
More Reviews By This Author