So here I am reading Eliza Day’s column on Pg 6 – the word document she sent me is called ‘Bored,’ as the subject matter, if you have not yet read it, is about how boring the local live band scene has become and how there are no new and exciting bands out there, everybody seemingly settling to want to sound like someone else. I’ll need to give her a heads up then on Shadowclub. Big White Stripes fans, the trio decided to record their album in 12 days but did it in 9 which is fine if you’re Jack White and Co. with that M.O already, but for a local band not that well known we could all just laugh it off and say “yeah well it sounds like it!” But it doesn’t. Guns and Money is a very, very good debut album and whilst White Stripes fans will appreciate their bluesy ‘purposely fuss free’ rock ‘n roll as they call it, the 3-piece are no copycats exuding an authenticity that combines distorted guitars and often equally distorted vocals to deliver a fine collection of 12 very well penned songs. Musically adept and with a vocalist [Jacques Moolman] who can really use his pipes, Shadowclub have produced an accomplished debut release that for my money is easily the freshest thing I’ve heard from an SA band for now.
