By Kevin Koeninger
The Shys
“Astoria”
Release Date: In stores now
Filled with exuberant songwriting and inspired guitar work, the Shys’ “Astoria” is a remarkable achievement of modern alt-rock.
The explosive opening track, “Never Gonna Die,” sets the pace for the entire album at near breakneck speed. Nevertheless, the band displays a knack for creating poignant ballads as well, with “Waiting on the Sun” allowing for a much needed moment of relaxation just a few songs into the album.
The band’s influences are incredibly wide-ranging and it shows, with bits and pieces of classic rock, country, and grassroots punk straining to make their way to surface in every song.
The album as a whole flows with a smoothness that lends itself very nicely to Kyle Krone’s scratchy vocals. His laid back, slurred speech method of singing points strongly to the Rolling Stones as an influence, with songs like “The Resistance” evoking shades of Mick Jagger.
The album’s seven minute finale, “Open up the Sky,” wraps up the record perfectly, presenting everything that is great about the band. Building up melodically, lyrically and rhythmically throughout, the fast-paced conclusion urges a press of the repeat button.
Ultimately, the record ends where it began, a place that can certainly be respected and enjoyed.
-Kevin Koeninger
