When an album whisks a listener off to a location in the first 30 seconds, that’s when it has it.
Shark Arms’ new release, “Leg Day,” does just that — strapping folks into the driver’s seat from the first reverberating guitar hum in “POST” and holding, unwavering, until the triumphant final chord slam in “Thoughts of Death at the Aldi.” But this isn’t meant to be a solo ride — this is music designed to be shared, blown out through car speakers, headbanged to on a summer road trip.
And on “Leg Day,” released in late June, there’s enough range to satisfy any passenger when it comes up on aux.
Those who gravitate toward lyrics have plenty to chew on with this EP, which tackles the aftermath of a relationship. The vocals themselves are full and weighty, ranging from Ethan Berman’s zingy pop-punk belt to Doug Zogby’s gritty, full-chest growl.
Reminiscent of both Blink-182 and Vampire Weekend, Shark Arms’ sound has evolved over the years to strike a mature balance in its mix. (So has the band itself, which used to be called Secret Organ.) In any given song, a little catchy guitar feature will yowl through and then make way for a drum fill or melodic section.
That keen understanding of space and smart utility of backing vocals make for a hyper-relistenable set of songs — ones to shout along to, potentially at their August 17 gig at Photo City Music Hall, or drift amid the energetic nostalgia of a mid-2010s montage together.
Alyssa Koh is a contributor to CITY.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
