Abstract contradictions are a beautiful experience when done right. How something cannot exist so clearly and yet stand in defiance of itself, that is what makes the very best of music. This idea that we do not know what we want, yet it goes against how we feel. That overwhelming sensation which comes from that at-odds feeling is what Shaking Hand has captured so brilliantly on their self-titled debut. Contrast is all it takes to serve those moments correctly. Any chance you get to listen to a new band, that’s a real treat. A rarity to fall for them so quickly, but Shaking Hand is no ordinary album. This is a debut piece recorded in a converted church. That doesn’t affect the subtler details of this self-titled effort too much, but it does feel rather apt given the holy experience at hand. A true great to start the year with this one.
Shaking Hand are as certain of their genre tones as they are of not wanting to be pulled into one sound or another. They’re in exceptional form on opening song Sun Dance, a great display of the band’s abilities. Instrumentally sound with that well-layered, independent experience to the guitar and bass, a floaty backing vocal and fantastic lead to play around with. Much to love about Sun Dance, and there’s still so much to be thrilled by on the songs to follow. Sun Dance has an instrumental quality to it that the indie rock genre, as wide and useless a term that may be, is lacking. There’s a lot of voices at play in the guitar-led scene and a lot more purpose to the wordplay, and while Shaking Hand has plenty of skill to their lyrics, the drifting style of their instrumentals is a real thrill. Mantras is another great example of this instrumental skill.
Floaty vocal additions and that instrumental confidence, it’s all the difference for this Shaking Hand first. Crucial to the lengthier songs featured on Shaking Hand are the bolder choices taken, the slower burn of a song like Mantras is a well-placed piece before the faster tempo, the slightly harsher thrill of In For a… Pound!. Risk-laden and satisfying, that’s what Shaking Hand offers here. A set of bold and brilliant songs which shine brightly, highlighting both that instrumental sharpness and the lyrical pains which bring about those abstract contradictions. Maddeningly great work on Up the Ante(lope) highlights that fine line between a band playing around and performing to a whole different standard. It’s easy to get carried away by a new group when they sound this important.
Should the lyrical points not work for you, then there’s some marvellous guitar work. Those who aren’t as moved as they should be by the soft blows of distortion, the little flickers of alternative rock and roll, you’ll be won over by the lyrics and vocal strength. Shaking Hand is an exceptionally well-balanced piece of work. Brilliance prevails on this self-titled debut. Italics and Cable Ties are, with a sprinkling of hyperbole, two of the best songs so far this year. Early doors, granted, but come back to Shaking Hand towards the end of the year and you’ll find a still-present quality in confident, open wordplay and instrumentally drifting material. It’s an album that wears its influences with pride because, deep down, Shaking Hand know they can push their favourites that little bit further. They succeed with this album.
