Shark Island….
Now there’s a name I have not heard in quite some time. When the band released their debut album, Law of the Order in 1989, they were catapulted into rock and roll stardom. The music was filled with big guitars and even bigger hooks. They were booked on tours in and out of the United States, and had their music featured on the soundtracks to Point Break and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
Fast forward 31 years later, and Shark Island has returned with a brand new full length album entitled, Bloodline. Armed with 11 stellar rock tracks that include a must hear cover of Depeche Mode’s “Policy of Truth”, Shark Island is primed and ready to make their long awaited return.
The big guitar sound is still intact, as evidenced in the opening track, “Make a Move.” Driving rhythms and solid bottom end make this track utterly undeniable. Vocalist, Richard Black sounds absolutely amazing and quite possibly better than ever has.
“Fire in the House” is a great mid-tempo rocker with sexy and slinky groove. Loving the big sing-along chorus on this one.
Shark Island makes a bold statement with their cover of the Depeche Mode classic. They remain pretty faithful to the original track while injecting heavy guitars and swagger to the track. Love that the song is sung in a lower register. Really gives it more of a spookier vibe.
Kicking things back into high gear is the octane fueled, “Aktion Is.” Track starts of with a solid drum beat and some venomous vocals. Not long after, the song kicks into overdrive with some beautiful guitar pyrotechnics from the dual guitar attack of Alex Kane and Damir Simic. Take caution listening to this track while driving. May cause more than one pedal to hit that metal! J
“Butterfly” and “Crazy Eights” are a pair of bluesy numbers riddled with sleazy grooves. Both are great songs to get any party started and keep it going until the wee hours of the morning.
Slowing down the tempo of the album is the emotion charged, “When She Cries.” Frontman, Richard Black shows us a different side of his vocal range. His voice is warm, gritty, and complements the soulful guitar leads throughout the song.
Huge monster opening riff leads the way for the stellar rocker, “Law of the Order” which is a reference to the title of the band’s debut album. Powerful track that gets you moving and doesn’t let go until the last note played.
Closing out the album on more of a whisper than a scream is the dark and moody, “On and On.” Definitely not afraid to change things up, “On and On” has a very sparse and melancholic feel and conveys more of a modern rock vibe. I could easily hear this being played on the airwaves in 2020.
With a huge resurgence of rock and metal bands from the 80’s and 90’s happening as of late, it was a really welcome surprise to see the name Shark Island being mentioned again. I was a huge fan of their debut album, and actually still listen to it to this day. They wrote amazing songs that made your blood pump as well as your fists. It is 2020, and with the release of Bloodline, Shark Island are continuing to write music that does the same. Bravo, Shark Island!
Rating: 8/10 Stars.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
FOLLOW SHARK ISLAND ONLINE
https://www.sharkislandmusic.com
