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The Shadowcops - A Big Pot Of HotCor: With the pedal to the metal, and this time not just loaded with simple power chords, but seriously riff orientated punk rock with the feet deep into (thrash)metal. Also influences of for example Hüsker Dü and The Wildhearts can be heard. The rhythm guitar is putting down a fine (and mostly pretty tight) basic layer together with the bass and drums, which reveals some quality musical skills and nice ideas.
It is a real pity that the solo guitar parts vary from small works of art, to completely out of place. The screaming vocals could actually fit very fine within this punk or hardcore-like music, and also give the songs an even more vicious character; still, I personally would have favoured a bit more melody. All in all this could still be promising for the future.
Rating: 70/100
RIOT 77
Cool album cover. the Shadowcops look to be a band from Yorkshire in England, who play a pretty impressive brand of Poison Idea and Gang Green inspired hardcore. I'm all for it and they approach their craft in the way punk bands should. When a band gets this much enjoyment out of playing their music, how can it not rub off on the listener? Shifting gears between high-speed tirades and songs that stretch their harder rocking muscle a little more, they go for the throat from the outset, and continue throughout somehow never running out of diesel. A Big Pot of Hot is one of those records you listen to and it immediately paints a picture in your head of the band playing live. Blows all that wimpy crap clean out of the water.
THE MAG (IRELAND)
The Shadowcops take punk back to its roots in this explosive rock and roll record. It's like Stiff Little Fingers melted into Husker Du with a bit of added Rise Against for seasoning.
The songs get an overall average of about two minutes each, so before you know it, you've blasted through the riffy 'Vehement Subterfuge' and 'Putsch' and landed on the rocky 'Vaulted Sky'. In this short time, you've got absolutely growled vocal verses combined with hoarse melodic chorus lines that really add that SLF hookiness.
'The Sleeper Awakes' takes a bit more time to run through its series of chops and changes, with interesting rhythmic dodges combining with some riffy guitars in the intro before the frantic pace kicks in.
The guitars lay down an eighties-influenced hook that I love in 'Folie a Deux'. This will surely become one of the live favourites for The Shadowcops.
'Mana' is a total riff-fest instrumental, which ushers in its vocal counterpart, 'Fulgura Frango'. This is followed by the song with the most engaging chorus on the album, 'The Age Of Common Sense'. If it wasn't for the crashing instruments and growling voices, this song could be a pop hit. 'Recurrent Blockades' follows up on this with a big open-chorded stormer with furious guitars.
The run in features the excellent 'Natura Naturans', which smoulders like hot coals.
This is a debut album with some quality credentials. It's an honest sounding punk record with the kind of melody that you just don't typically get with this kind of record.
SCANNER ZINE (NEW ZEALAND)
A big pot of rock more like!! This quartet from Manchester, UK certainly crank out the riffs - and they nail ‘em! There’s 12 songs here that mix an AC/DC balls-out rock blast played with the speedball-laced ferocity of early ZEKE and a UK Punk Rock accessibility that mirrors both VANILLA POD and CONSUMED. Best moments include the riff-riddled raucousness of ‘The Sleep Awake’, the super-catchy rocking coolness of ‘Vaulted Sky’, the SUPERSUCKERS belch of ‘Calling Out The Elders’ and the brisk burst of ‘Folie a Deux’. Production is bold with everything seemingly overdriven but not at the expense of any one instrument. If there is a fault, it’s that sometimes there is just one riff too many; a bit more conciseness may work wonders. It’s my guess that live, with a few beers in the belly, these fellas blaze big time. Definitely one for those who like a good helping of Rock in their Punk Rock.
RIOT ON YOUR OWN FANZINE
For me this is too close to heavy rock and as a result hard to relate too. AC/DC influenced hard rockin' tunes with screamy vocals. The production, Musicianship and energy cannot be faulted and there are certainly no weak tracks. Just strong tracks that I personally don't particularly like so I'm probably not really entitled to review this, but for people into this sound I recommend the last two cuts, Calling Out the Elders and Natura Naturans.
LIGHTS GO OUT FANZINE
Powerful rock n' roll with a punk twist. Full of those razor sharp riffs (yeah I do like that description, but it's true) and some decent gravelly, almost shouty vocals. Pretty decent stuff. This would really be for those into the punk and rock n roll sounds, it's bridging the gap between the two.
I really did enjoy this cd I have to say, would be keen to check them out live as well. Impressive stuff, look this up!
BURN OUT FANZINE
The rock/punkers from Manchester are back with an assortment of fast, powerful, heavy metal. Starting off straight out of the Velvet Revolver rulebook, 'Vehement Subterfuge' gives an ealy glimpse of the sort of well constructed riffs and layering of guitars that pepper the album, most notably on 'the Sleeper Awakes' with riffs reminiscent of Megadeath or early Metallica. As expected a current of Pennywise-style US punk runs shallow under the arrangements.
Too many bands on the punk/metal scene stumble along attempting to make fakey post-ironic statements and the Shadowcops here provide a no-nonsense, balls out alternative to all that, which makes it easy to forgive the occasional jarring vocals and inconsistent production. This one is going on my ipod.
FEAR AND LOATHING FANZINE
Hard rock riffs and plenty of energy with a guitar sound somewhere between Husker Du and sabbath. There's even a few hints of Poison Idea making it a pretty powerful affair. Good stuff!
A SHORT FANZINE ABOUT ROCKING
I've sung the praises of Manchesters the Shadowcops in these pages before, and I'm going to do so again here, cause this - their debut full length - is ace. Twelve tracks of no-frills, brawling punk rock with a rock'n'roll influence that ensures while there's plenty of ball out energy, there are also hooks by the bucketload. The Wildhearts influence that characterised their earlier efforts is still very much present and correct, as the riff-heavy sections on songs like 'The Sleeper Awakes' proves, and it's safe to say there's been a bit of listening to Therapy? going on here as well. The fact that guitarists Nathan and Mike share vocal duties brings another dimension to proceedings, providing an abundance of shout-a-longs, and their strong, aggressive delivery perfectly matches the shit-kicking musical onslaught. It's only on the instrumental 'Fulgura Frango', midway through the album, that the band drop the ball slightly, but they pick it right back up againand the second half of the album arguably produces its strongest moments, with the anthemic 'Calling Out The Elders' a particular highpoint. While The Shadowcops are still perhaps best seen live, just cause they're so fuckin loud and awesome on stage, this album is still tremendous fun, so buy it, learn the words, and then go see them live!
STREET VOICE FANZINE
This Manchester based outfit are certainly a band worth checking out and their fusion of rock and punk certainly is going down well in this household. Taking their inspiration from the likes of the Wildhearts, Therapy, Dead Kennedys and Hot Water Music these guys have gone on to write a decent album. This twelve track release is as powerful from the moment it opens to the moment it closes. There's just no let up and what's more the music is tight and the vocals delivered well. It's good to see a band mixing things up a bit and when you hear tracks such as 'Vaulted Sky', 'Mana', 'The Age of Common sense' and 'Putsch' I'm sure you'll agree with me. Great packaging and production too! An album worth looking out for! 7.5/10
SUGARBUZZ (USA)
The Shadowcops love living their life in the fast lane. With massive touring, they rip the rug up wherever they go. Their forthcoming CD, ‘A Big Pot Of Hot,’ is all about mixing strains of punk and early 80’s rock and roll.
The Shadowcops’ lead vocalist, Mike Pollitt, is both brave and shows some serious balls as he leads the rest of the Shadowcops blindingly into new emerging stylings. It’s all about taking risks and smashing down the perimeters to make room for new creativity and energy. Their first track, ‘Vehement Subterfuge,’ [Mike’s ‘baby’] opens with Nat’s guitar melody as he lets go of a solitary note at the end of the verse to only introduce a precursor of ruckus drum beats and surging guitar chords.
Mike’s full-throated screamings in accapella comes off in a stream of lyrical angry observations before the shrieking, ‘Yeah!’ that follows by echo-chorus backups adding all the right reinforcements. The steady flowing M8 has the vocal footing in one-half crooning, one-half guttural rock shouts on the backups in between verse. In turn, this activates Nat’s guitar explosions of classic rock and roll. A filler of guitar chords hold up the signature framework. Three hard guitar strums holding, bleeds straight to the next track.
Five strums and a lead-in of drum ticks; a guitar squeal is upstaged by the guitar melody in ‘Putsch.’ I’ll tell you, Nat and Mike both sounded so alike, - but it is Nat that is the one scratching through the chunky fabric with feisty vocals and a one-line lyric before the punch line chorus. This song is catchy enough to memorize on the first shot. Nat’s angst is forceful in the chorus verse, as the backup screaming replies are all in punctuating, percolating energy. Approaching the bridge, scratched up guitar and a lead-up of cymbal/guitar grooves are in hyper focus before sliding back into the guitar melody to a four-bar slow down. Burning the wick down on beat, the all encompassing guttural chorused cadence in the, ‘Fuck all you infidels…’ is an intense surge of verse and crash beats before the last line is screamed out with stead-fast conviction.
A high-volumed melody with cross sections of distinctive 80’s metal infused punk makes, ‘Vaulted Sky,’ the star song on the CD. The opening is a show-down between Nat’s vocals and guitar as the first verse leads into the crash of guitar melody. Along with a high-squealed sear that drags the energy right into the crescendo, enough room is nudged to introduce the second verse. The combination of vocal backups and the cut-throat scratch croons takes revenge as a healthy dose of guitar squeals soon bows out for rock 'n' roll riffage. It bites down on the meat of the song. Jimi Hendrix-like twiddlings initiate a psyche-out as a slow tempo emerges and then totally rocks out. Repeat harmonies with Nat’s unidentifiable extra element is distinguished between rock and punk with one fiery yell, making it to the finish. Damn! The song is over already.
‘The Sleeper Awakes,’ is chock full of personified rock. Heavy-handed start/stop drums and a rippin’ signature guitar melody ascends onto a second intro and grooves in reverse — with a slower tempo stroll. Switching vocal styles, it is Mike in the guttural screams - all in old school punk 'n' roll this time, inclusive of switching octaves in mid-verse. After the crescendoeing and precursor guitar squeal, a supremely tight M8 crashes to a slower-tempo teaser. The guitar melody takes stage once more out with a twister grip in even tempo reverting back to Mike’s resonating rebel yell stamp at the end.
An interesting melding of street punk and metal with metal-fuzzed guitar opens , ‘Fulgaro Frango.’ Etched crystal clear, Mike’s defiant lyrics is sung by Nat who rides over the guitar and bass — taking the back seat of the belting on the first two verses. As the chorus picks up energy, I am jacked up as Nat almost loses it on the scratched bulldog shouts. Nice touch of chorus by friends: Medicine Stu, Matt Woods, and Tim Bevington. The dominating bridge has Nat and Mike alternating guitar solos, all in steady cadence. Steve breaks the beat with pounding drums as the chorus opens, ‘I break the lightning,’ which is exactly what they do - ending the songs with vindictive shouts like a passing storm. It is a short-lived ball of energy chords that is cut at the end.
The next track, ‘The Age Of Common Sense,’ has drum crashes after the recorded intro, making no hesitation as hardcore meets rock 'n' roll. Mike’s fierce guttural vocal is stamped all over this song indicating perhaps the Shadowcops are moving into a heavier direction. With prevalent circle-pit pounding drum between each verse, the chorus is fluid with subtle harmonies as Nat joins in on the last line of the sharp, gang chorus. The start/stop leading to the M8 creates a head-banging groove. The song opens up after the guitar squeal landing with a fast and furious sharp-noted guitar twiddling with drums. Overlapping harmonies switch one-half time increasing the crescendo one more time to self destruct with three guitar chords and a last guitar squeal.
Apart from the rest, ‘Take Yours Dave,’ is a Ramones’ inspired consumption with tinny, fuzzed- up guitar all in tight psychobilly beats. Mike’s amped and fuzzed-out vocals makes headway for even The Hives to take notice. The tempo change and syncopated verse on the chorus has the guitar melody shadowing on the words, “…time.” Adding a nice overlapping effect on vocals, as now Mike’s guttural scratches sound more like pleas as he jumps on what I consider a life-inspired core chorus, “Lights out/Cracked my head on a fruit machine/knocked out/slipped on someone’s dignity/ help me out/ I want another drink/Comatose/Close my eyes/So I can see…” Followed by a reprieve of complete silence the song does not lose momentum as the tinny melody guitar spins around one more time and bites you in the ass before the guitar chords all crash.
Infamous among Manchester circles just for its camaraderie and catchy tune, ‘Calling Out The Elders,’ is prepped all in articulated angst. Nat’s accapella vocals (with only guitar strums) has the drums and guitar joining in the gang-vocalled chorus pushing the energy and intent. He is screaming the chorus at the top of his lungs as the faint guitar twiddlings spew out from underneath the chorus shouts. Switching gears, the off-beated drum thuds queue in the switch-lending that is stuffed full of riffage before rounding back to the chorus. With a surprise insert of groove guitar beats that slows to a stomp, the guitar manages to squeeze the melody out to the end.
Like a comfortable convertible all in steady groove, ‘Natura Naturans,’ chugs to a slower tempo for four bars until the tune tanks, and up emerges a guitar sear with metal chords that slice through the beat. It is here, that The Shadowcops have reached their full rock 'n' roll potential as cymbal beats between each verse leaves space for a mean-chorded melody. The chorus has that reminiscent Van Halen upper-register harmonies [thanks to the punk rock pip trio], and you know what? To my surprise, it’s excellent. Nat lets out a sardonic laugh on the first bridge as bass burblings sets up an exhaustive set of bastardizing riffs. Here, he loans vocals license into the chorus-angst, and the second bridge rises into a head banging groove inclusive with drum triplicates, and crashing cymbal, before speeding up to an ending burst.
In comparison from their last CD to, ‘A Big Pot Of Hot,’ The Shadowcops have matured light years and have developed into a spellbinding rock 'n' roll machine. These guys may look rather ordinary but with a little help, they can branch out their brand of Manchester mayhem and bring their asses to the USA. This isn’t ordinary punk 'n' roll, this is The Shadowcops.
[Note: By far, one of the best punk 'n' roll CD’s I’ve heard in a long time. I am envious to all who have the opportunity to see them live, up close and personal. Thanx to Mike for helping me sort out who sang what. You can get their CD on TNS Records www.tnsrecords.com in Europe, and also www.interpunk.com here in the USA.]
STUDENT DIRECT
FRONTZINE (BELFAST)
Well played fast punk/metal/grunge topped off with OTT rock vocals half way between Cal from Discharge (doing his Grave New World theatrics) and the geezer from ACDC. It’s actually not as bad as that would lead you to believe. Shadowcops are tight as fuck and have good riffs aplenty, although like many new bands the lyrics are too arty for their own good.
SECOND CITY MAGAZINE
This album really should carry a warning. If you’re besotted with music that tries to sound like it’s as present-day as possible, suffer from riffophobia or are generally just a little wuss, then this CD is not for you.
I’ll admit, I’m a gambling man, but either way I’d confidently wager that there won’t be an album that rocks this much in the whole of 2009. If you like your music sturdy and substantial, riffs by the bucketload and the sound of no remorse, then this uncompromising piece of polycarbonate is sure to please.
There aren’t many bands doing the Hard Rock thing these days, and certainly even fewer as well as these Salford gents (plus one from Hampshire). Someone once described them as ‘Like The Wildhearts and The Replacements jumping up and down on Bob Mould’s head’… That’s probably as accurate as you can get. Namechecks nailed to a tee; the influence of Ginger & co. is apparent throughout.
‘Vaulted Sky’ and ‘Folie à Deux’ are short blasts of high-energy old school punk n’ roll, while tracks like ‘Recurrent Blockades’ and ‘The Age Of Common Sense’ could easily be considered ‘classic rock’ in years to come.
Like an already rabid bull in a shop specialising in bright red china, ‘Putsch’ tears into the blandness and short lifespan of a lot of popular music today:
“I don’t need lessons in truth/My truth is based on opinion/Ephemeral tastelessness/
Album closer ‘Natura Naturans’ however, really does steal the show. The track itself is a haunting Metallica-esque number, but souped-up in production, it sounds as big as ‘Knights of Cydonia’ by Muse.
A simply excellent album that deserves to get the ‘Cops rightful recognition. Not for the faint of heart, but instead for those seeking true rock music. Play this loud, as God intended!
FOR FANS OF : The Wildhearts, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, Therapy?
The album launch party is at Satan’s Hollow on Saturday 28th February. Entry is only £3 or FREE with a ticket stub from either The Bronx or The Polecats’ gig. Support comes in the form of The Hip Priests from Nottingham, with bands starting at 10.30pm. ‘A Big Pot Of Hot’ will be available for purchase for £5!