Shallow Side is releasing their first full album on March 29, 2019, Saints & Sinners. This album is a great addition to anyone’s library. Their Southern Alabama roots are very apparent in their music with a rockabilly, bluesy mashup vibe with their heavy rock.
“Revival” opens the album with deep, throaty vocals and subtle electric guitar in the backdrop The speed of the guitar gives me an illusion of “hitting the road.” It’s reminiscent of both a racing heart, and the sound of a train. The lyrics, “we’ve been swimming through muddy waters. I wasn’t born to be a follower” are a perfect fit for the title, and very relevant to current social issues of individuality.
Title track “Saints & Sinners” has a great blue grass sound with tambourines on the down beats. When I hear this song, I automatically visualize the FX show, Justified. This is a great song that beautifully mixes genres of blue grass and rock as they play the guitars heavy on the chorus, and I love the chorus lyrics that are easy to relate to. “Saints & Sinner, we’re all the same. When judgment comes, we can’t be saved….what side are you on?”
“Temptation” is another song that I really loved because of the genre mashup. This song has a great slower rhythm and blues sound to it. It opens with emotive lyrics that take you right into the mindset of the subject: “Whiskey glass filled with cigarettes, the fire’s lost its spark. Thoughts inside my sober mind…what have I become? Whiskey glass full of cigarettes choking on temptations.” This song is probably my favorite song that really showcases the talented vocalist as he can easily switch between a gritty voice, and smooth high notes.
“Not Alone” opens with beautiful piano and soft vocals. The drums and guitar join the soft melody seamlessly for this beautiful ballad. If you’ve read my reviews before, you know the slower songs rock bands put out are always my favorite, cause they give great opportunities to showcase versatility. This track is no different. It’s such a great song, and again showcases amazing vocals with a soft melody, and belting lyrics.
Shallow Side’s Saints & Sinners is a great addition to your library. They have a unique sound that melds genres that regardless of your favorite genre, you’re going to love their album. Bundles are available for preorder at https://thermalent.com/shallow-side. And be on the lookout for their latest single, “SOUND THE ALARM.”
Track List:
Revival
Saints & Sinners
SOUND THE ALARM
Drugs&Lust
Temptations
Hallelujah
No More
All Rise
Not Alone
Carry On
