Emo that follows in the footsteps of Husker Du and Drive Like Jehu
When you listen to this album, it's obvious that bands like Husker Du and Drive like Jehu are influences. Add to that the fact they're also known as the backing band for Reggie and the Full Effect (side project of NFG man James Dewees), and you've got a pretty good idea of what Shots Fired sounds like. This self-titled album isn't exactly easy listening, full of jarring notes and off-key vocals - this is an album for those looking for something a bit different.
Shots Fired veer between upbeat and downcast on an alarmingly regular basis. These are songs that believe in restlessness, and often changing direction at will. First song, 'Cocaine', is a prime example of this. The first thing to hit you is the vocals, which are so brazen and strong, it's exhilarating. For a three piece, these guys sure know how to make a racket, and lines can definitely be drawn between Drive like Jehu and Shots Fired. There are the same melodic but fierce guitars, but Shots Fired have got their own sound.
'Celebration' and 'Squires at Bristol' could be considered more emo as we know it now, in that the tunes are lighter, but that would be stretching it to extremes. The first verse of 'Celebration' shares a few similarities with early Goo Goo Dolls (before they went crap), but again those almost shouty, off key vocals and chop changing nature really make a difference. There are lyrics you can relate to on 'Squires at Bristol' - 'I've never been a fan of innocence/14 years is just like 26 years to me' - simple, but so effective.
It's a bit of a surprise when 'Ragdoll' starts up, as it's dark, moody, and unnerving with no let up. That doesn't mean it's depressing, just very different from the rest of the album. Even the beat grinds along, and threatens to explode into sheer and utter chaos so many times but then it doesn't.
Track 6, 'My Friend', is one of the best tracks on the album. It manages to upbeat whilst being menacing and insistent, with dual vocals that makes a bad seem not as bad as might be. It's a bit like therapy, and the alternative rock-emo is wonderful. The album ends on a really hopeful note - 'Anakin' is also the closest to modern emo that Shots Fired get. Like the rest of this record, it's often brazen and fierce, carrying on where Husker Du and Drive like Jehu left off.
Shots Fired have made a great album, and one that you can listen to over and over again. It comes highly recommended.