Sheavy – Republic? (Candlelight/Rise Above)
By Chris Barnes
September 17, 2005

Three things spring to mind whilst spinning Sheavy’s first album in four years… aside from painfully hackneyed comparisons to Black Sabbath that is… geezus keyrist, enough already! The first is that Sheavy reunited to make an album at all (albeit without long-time drummer Ren Squires) because it looked like rough going for awhile within the New Foundland foursome. The second is that veteran scene producer Billy Anderson mixed an album that sounds bright, punchy and powerful to even the most jaded of ears (mine, which I freely admit.). Third, upon repeated listenings Republic is not only the most aurally satisfying album the band has released since ‘97’s The Electric Sleep, it harkens back to a better, seemingly vanished time when noted Stoom bands such as Orange Goblin, Acrimony and Electric Wizard ruled the roost back in the late 90’s.

What makes it so special? The fact that it sounds like the band didn’t go out of it’s way to be so consciously diverse, an impediment which tainted, albeit slightly, 2001’s more experimental Synchronized. No keys here, Republic? is all about the hallowed trinity of The Riff, The Mix and the Holy Groove. The taut and driving “The Rook” is a great way to start it off, Hennessy’s wail as commanding and aurally distinctive (aside from Ozzy himself, that is) as ever. I’m a sucker for the ultra-dynamic long track, and “Standing On The Edge Of The World” fits the bill, starting out with a simple answer-call bend riff then launching into a turbo-driven rhythmic pattern subsiding into a dreamy midsection before doing it all in reverse. Groove addicts will certainly dig the infectious “Hangman” and the stoned metal boogie of “Imitation of Christ”. Closer “Last Chance… Gremlin X” is a great way to sandwich the material in-between, combining the best of both Sheavy’s seemingly endless riff n’ groove resources.

An excellent comeback album from Sheavy, that will surely appeal to the fans of the golden days of stoner/doom. Nice work.


Purchase Republic? at Hellride Music Superstore

Download an MP3 of Spy Vs Spy

Visit the Sheavy website at www.sheavy.com

irratebass

Bout fucking time it came out sheesh! Been waitin' for this one!!