Published on Mar 18, 1999
Ever wonder what it was like to be alive in the glory period of
a band like Black Sabbath? I mean, it’s one thing to be able to
listen to albums like
Master Of Reality and
Paranoid today, nearly 30 years after they were created. But
what if those albums were coming out today; what would the vibe be
like?
Enter the Canadian band Sheavy into the picture. Their latest
release
The Electric Sleep reminds me a lot of the Black Sabbath of
old, especially in vocalist Steve Hennessey’s mannerisms. The
grooves they kick out are incredible, making this band one to watch
in the very near future.
The band – Hennessey, guitarist Dan Moore, bassist Keith Foley
and drummer Ren Squires – is very much an alternative act with a
hard-rock edge to their music. But there’s enough connection to the
combination dark themed/ever-so-slightly psychedelic edge in their
music that almost makes you think that you’re listening to a
younger Ozzy Osbourne tearing up the stage.
However, don’t immediately write off Sheavy as a Sabbath
wanna-be. Fact is,
The Electric Sleep has some incredibly original music that
is both well-written and well-performed. If you need proof, one
need only look as far as such tracks as “Destiny’s Rainbow,” “Born
In A Daze” and “Velvet”. Sheavy is a band that is a rarity; it is a
young group that has mastered both songwriting and performance,
without sacrificing the integrity of either in the final
product.
Even when the band gets a little experimental, as they do on
“Savannah… Flights Of Ecstasy”, everything falls right into place
for the group, creating a song that works on several levels.
Finally, Sheavy answers my long-standing complaint about bonus
tracks. Sure, they include one, but not only does it immediately
follow the listed songs, but it’s also identified on the CD itself
(“Last Parade”)! This track happens to be a killer addition to the
album, and is well worth the addition to
The Electric Sleep.
Granted, the album occasionally drifts a little bit on tracks
like “Saving Me”, but Sheavy quickly pulls their vehicle back onto
the road to keep your interest throughout.
If I had to place money on one band succeeding in 1999, at this
moment in time, I’d wager a lot on Sheavy making it to the big
time. If anyone involved in Ozzfest ’99 is reading, take a word of
advice: put these guys on the bill, even if it’s only second stage!
The Electric Sleep is an album that is going to attract a
lot of people who like different styles of music for different
reasons – and in the end, they’re all going to be grooving
together. What are you waiting for? Pick it up!