Album Review: Murmur by Modern Shakes

If you've been around the London DIY scene over the past few years you probably know Ian Crook as a member of Janowski or from his acoustic solo work as Wayfairer. Last year Ian put together a new band with Dan Conant on drums and Vince Comby on bass. Calling themselves Modern Shakes, we were lucky enough to catch some of their first shows and quickly fell in love with their Midwestern inspired pop punk. At the beginning of July, the three piece released their debut EP titled Murmur and I was expecting great things.

Murmur begins with Sundials. The opening guitar riffs, that slowly build up, immediately told me this was going to be an EP that I was really going to enjoy. That tone, along with a great jangly riff, was an instant sonic delight. As soon as Ian's vocals come in the song goes up another level. Clearly inspired by Alkaline Trio, Ian shines on this song as he sings a positive song about being there for your friends in their time of need and supporting them. Up next is Ivana. Starting out with just some guitar and Ian's powerful vocal, you feel quickly welcomed into the song. On my first listen of Ivana the line that really caught my attention was "don't you miss the crowded bars and hangovers, are you tired of basement shows and all dayers." It's another positive song about growing older but still going out and doing something with your time. This is a bit of pop brilliance that will really get a crowd wanting to be involved in the song. The addition of a harmony really added to the song and will encourage a good sing-along as well.

We were lucky enough to get an early listen of Red Lines thanks to its inclusion on the CPRW 5th Birthday Comp and I adored it. The opening has a chugga chugga quality that really drives the start of the track forward, filling it with energy. When the song gets to its middle section, you're in melodic pop punk heaven. Red Lines does this odd thing of filling you with energy but it also has this pleasant feel to it that's relaxing and homey. I'm not sure that really makes sense – there's a familiarity to the track that keeps you comfortable but will also have you singing along passionately. Last up on Murmur is Freefall. I bang on so much about how the best releases always have an absolute banger of a final track, Freefall is certainly that. There's something about it that makes it sound so big and it was the perfect choice for an EP closer. The introduction quickly builds the song up to the point of you wanting to get singing. Ian's in full storytelling mode, really painting a great picture with his lyrics – so much so I'm imagining the music video now. The chorus is where the song really peaks with a fantastic chorus that will get plenty of fists going high in the air. A superb way to finish a great EP.

If you're a fan of bands like Alkaine Trio, Banner Pilot, The Copyrights or London's own Burnt Tapes and Triple Sundae, then Modern Shakes will be your new favourite band. This is an EP written by three really talented chaps and I already know that this is going to be the soundtrack of my summer.

Stream and download Murmur here: https://modernshakesband.bandcamp.com/releases

Like Modern Shakes here: https://www.facebook.com/Modernshakesband

This review was written by Colin Clark.