Shake Some Action - Chase The Light EP

 

Shake Some Action are never gonna change from the 60s Guitar Pop territory that they master, but here the vibe is more crunchy at times. The opener, Cut Loose, lets rip in fine style revealing another string to the bow.

How Far Will You Go is more UK Beat, but again adds ace Lead Guitar, a little Psych Pop at times, a bit of an Orgone Box feel without the trippiness. Spend The Days In The Sunshine is a little Medway, all 1967 getting it together in the country. There is also a great Brass interlude that is close to Brit Pop.

Chasin' Time gets seriously Toytown, wonderfully so and I Don't No Where She Goes goes back further towards Merseybeat, but also as a modern day jauntiness, a bit like a happier version of The Coral. Five songs here that master a beloved genre.

Shake Some Action certainly know what they are about. The sound may be a little retro and that suits. I would rather hear something that sounds like the past done this well than some of the mediocrity that we get from more modern chance takers. I don't hear anyone around doing this so well.

You can listen to and buy the EP here.

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Shake Some Action - Trip To Yesterday EP

 

Great to have Seattle's Shake Some Action back in harness with their brand of 60s Guitar Pop that puts a more modern slant on the genre. You are always sure of great well arranged catchy songs and this EP is no different.

Whereas Rage Into The Daylight is very very 60s Beat Pop, it is so beautifully done that you just have to stand back and applaud. I Want You is driven by a great Bassline and although it is in similar territory, it also sounds more than a little Brit with hints of the likes of The Coral at times.

Doesn't Matter has some wonderful organ on it that just lights up the song and there is a Psych Pop feel at times that interrupts the beat. Can You Feel It straddles the genres most, at times it sounds like 80s Scouse Pop, at others more Brit Pop.

There is also a great closing instrumental run showing that James Hall's not stuck in one particular period. He wears his influences well without ever quite sounding like them and he certainly knows what a chorus is. Melodic joy assured and beautifully arranged.

You can listen to and buy the EP here.

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