Review: Mr Shiraz – 21 Grams

Mr Shiraz - 21 GramsThis mad bunch were up as Band of the Day last week and I managed to get a last-minute preview of their EP 21 Grams before its release tomorrow (7th Dec).

Mr Shiraz are the right kind of mental. Imaginative, fun and generally harmless though with plenty of attitude and kick-assery. EP opener and title track “21 Grams” is one of their slower numbers, but still packs a decent punch. It, along with the other five songs, has a cinema-related title.

Track two, “Bill and Ted”, is definitely more of a rocker and the kind of track that Wyld Stallyns would have been proud of, though perhaps only on their second album. It’s not prog enough for their eighteenth and they twenty-seventh was far more “electro”.

“Breakfast Club” goes more for the angsty/angry sound which does fit with the film which, by some quirk of time travel, stole its title. With “Gleaming the Cube” you could forgive Mr Shiraz if they slipped more into skate rock (go watch the film), but they stay true to the punk sound with a quality heavy solo two thirds of the way through. The video is below.

“Cusack” is a little more Offpsring in its opening sound then hits a more melodic stride partway through. Is it John? Is it Joan? Hell, is it Bill? Who knows.

We finish with “Nobody Puts Swayze in the Corner” which I am now tempted to do if I can find the urn with his ashes in, then post a photo on Instagram. Just for giggles. The song’s about dancing so it does maintain the relevant connection while also being probably the best track of the six.

Check out the track below and you’ll find the EP available for download / purchase on bandcamp tomorrow. Unless John Hughes signs an injunction.

21 Grams is released on December 7th 2015

Mr Shiraz: facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud | bandcamp

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