Review: Shallow Side- One

The amount of emerging rock bands today can be overwhelming. It’s hard to tell which ones will make it and which ones won’t, but when a band has it, you can just tell. It doesn’t always take a full-length album or an EP. Sometimes it just takes seeing the band live to know, sometimes it takes hearing that one song and you just know.

Shallow Side is one of those band and, after listening to their latest record- One, there’s no denying it. The Alabama natives open up the EP with “We Roll,” which shows their Alabama pride right up front. With a chorus that says “just like the Tide, we roll,” it’s clear where the band’s allegiance lies and you can’t help but love it.

Then there’s “Rebel,” which is the definition of bad ass. With a line like “Brush my teeth with cocaine, this ain’t my first rodeo. Wash it down with whiskey, dressed in black from head to toe,” you’re hooked just two songs in.

Next up we have one of the best covers of Styx’s “Renegade” you’ll ever come across. It’s so good, Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw endorsed it and loves it. If you haven’t heard it, go listen to it- now. Go now, we’ll wait.

Done? Okay. Let’s proceed.

If you want a good lead-in to the final track, “Start a Fire,” you won’t get anything better than “Fight or Flight” and “Can You Hear Me.” They’re strong, they’re ballsy, they’re gritty, they’re as good as it gets.

When it’s all said and done, the EP is only six tracks but they’re six amazing ones. Shallow Side hold nothing back and, if this was their last album ever, it would be the perfect way to be remembered. One is loaded with a attitude, intensity and they don’t give a shit what you think.

Rating: 10/10

-Reggie Edwards