The band SHIPWRECKER (great name) are releasing their debut album August 4th called “Different Beasts”. It’s an appropriate name as they’re sound is pretty difficult to nail down as one thing or another.
After working in the AAA Format, I’ve heard my fair share of Adult Alternative bands, which is how I’d categorize them by the way. SHIPWRECKER has a sound based in Prog, Blues, Alternative and a little Funk thrown in there for good measure. What comes out is a very pleasant, dare I say relaxing style of rock that just kind of puts you at ease. They’re actually closer to “sailing” than “wrecking”.
I won’t go so far as to call them “soft’ however, ‘Hold The Line’ is an all out jam that really shows off vocalist Matt Vaggers. “Pretty Face” is an upbeat rocker too that would sound awesome live. In fact, the entire album sounds like it was recorded with the entire band in studio at once, very analog feel.
I generally listen to brain-busting Metal for a good part of the day so it took a few songs before I adjust sonically to SHIPWRECKER, but I soon really comfortable with the band. I imagine walking into a smoky and sweaty club somewhere seeing this band just tear it up.
I would also invite the Stoner Rock crowd to check out SHIPWRECKER too. Especially fans of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, I think you’ll appreciate their slightly fuzzed out sound and song structures that keep you guessing.
So, I’ve called them Alternative, Prog and now Stoner. There’s still one element left and that’s “Pop”. They can write some catchy hooks and choruses. I don’t think it’s their main focus, but they seem to come out naturally to them. Ironically, the last two songs “Pull Me Under” and “Wild Storms” are a couple of the more “catchy” tunes.
Personally my musical tastes are heavier, but this is a really, really good band. They’re accomplished musicians, they play and sing with passion and do their own thing. In my opinion that’s what a band is all about and most of the greatest of all time were formed from this same mold.
Emerging rock quartet SHIPWRECKER are set to break with their hugely alluring debut album, Different Beast, out Friday 4th August.
SHIPWRECKER started life in 2019 as an occasional side project scattered around the UK before it became the Merseyside flagship project it is now. Comprised of the husband-and-wife duo Jo and Eve Barnes, who express super hooky guitar lines and thunderous drums, Adam Hillhouse handling the low-end adding strong groove and vibe, and Matt Vaggers, their absolute powerhouse vocalist, they have set a course to take their own brand of groove-tinged classic rock to the masses. With a deep mutual love for hard rock, SHIPWRECKER despatch riff-driven cuts that are saturated with warmth, vigour, and power, all rounded off with utterly captivating vocal hooks. The Liverpool-based rock ’n’ rollers ignite favourable comparisons ranging from classic rock heavyweights such as Queen, Led Zeppelin and Free, through to the likes of: Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters, and Reef.
The high-flying four-piece are a truly compelling live act; the band have the rare accolade of having sold out every show they have played so far. The build is real and growing fast. Their recent single, Voice In My Head, was playlisted by Planet Rock’s New Rock Show, and the track also racked up strong support from Total Rock Radio and ERB Radio. The band now emerge from the depths with a boatload of exciting new material. This Summer, SHIPWRECKER unleash their absorbing debut album, Different Beast. Guitarist, Jo Barnes remarks about the record: “In a world full of cynicism, doom, and gloom, we set out to make a record that really represented the fun and joy we have playing together. Full of hooks, melody, and energy, ‘Different Beast’ is a rock album with a pop heart, written for ‘that one perfect listener’.”
Loaded with a stunning album, a hatful of singles waiting in the wings, and a slew of upcoming live performances, SHIPWRECKER are primed for shores far and wide.
-SHIPWRECKER host an album launch on 4th August at Future Yard, Birkenhead. For tickets, see – https://bit.ly/3VNGAQg –
Album track listing: 1. Icarus; 2. Pretty Face; 3. Sleep Tonight; 4. We Ride At Dawn; 5. Holy Ground; 6. Hold The Line; 7. Big Four; 8. Voice In My Head; 9. Pull You Under; 10. Wild Storms.
