SHY FRiEND loosens up and lets out hard rocking absurdity on ‘Snaggletooth’ EP
Like the stoned out clown that adorns the cover of SHY FRiEND’s latest release, SNAGGLETOOTH, this Calgary band loosens up and lets out hard rocking absurdity while reaching for the energy of their wildly infectious live shows. Surprising and delightful, the record offers up six cuts that embrace the thematic pop stylings of Olivia Rodrigo, bubblegum punk acts like Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer, and the technicolour visual presentation of The B-52’s. The result is an instantly catchy and varied offering that contains the very best of what these prolific performers have to offer.
Having built a dedicated live presence, SHY FRiEND’s latest foray into the studio comes just two years after their first record, the bubbly yet more contemplative, Frank. The difference here is night and day as SNAGGLETOOTH embodies a more immediate and compelling vision for the group. Filled with send-offs and big riffs, the band finds a sense of immediacy in songs that are always in motion while remaining sticky sweet.
With production helmed by front person Julie Olive and Alvvays contributor, Chris Dadge, the two implement unconventional textures that lend the music an unpredictable edge. Members of the band engage in spoken word passages, bold screams, and gang vocals that increase the muscle of their previous effort, with a presentation that more adequately reflects the fun and humour of the band’s live show.
It’s tough to describe SNAGGLETOOTH without praising their singular approach to live performances, as each show pairs music with a unique visual theme. Audience members are encouraged arrive in their best Halloween or drag fantasy by dressing up alongside the band. This level of engagement is nothing new for SHY FRiEND’s Julie Olive, whose charismatic presence sees the performer finding creative avenues of self expression on and off stage, as well on and off the internet. Both they, and the rest of the band leverage this DIY approach to make music as colourful and charming as it is audacious.