Shallow Side is back in our sites with their new release “Saints and Sinners.” The band who took on the mission of spreading the glory of modern rock & roll as far and as wide as they can to anyone who will listen is back.  “The energy and excitement of rock & roll is missing nowadays, and we need it now more than ever,” believes Shallow Side’s frontman, vocalist Eric Boatright.  “Our goal is that we want to revitalize that entire genre and remind the world how rock & roll can be such a strong force in everyone’s lives.”

Alabama’s Shallow Side is a healthy combination of rock hooks and pleasant pop narratives.  Nearly a decade on the scene has earned the quartet exceptional success on active rock radio and Sirius/XM Octane.  The singles from their last EP One,  which I reviewed when it was released and can be read here at backstage360.com – including the extremely popular “Rebel” and “Renegade,” and a cover of Styx’s “Can You Hear Me” – would increase their visibility, and eventually land them the distinction as Loudwire’s Best Band of 2016. Shallow Side is on the heels of releasing their much-anticipated debut full-length, “Saints & Sinners”, released at the end of March.

The Opening song appropriately titled “Revival,” gets the album started on the right note. Its heavy chunky guitar riff syncs alongside an equally enduring percussion track.  Eric Boatright’s Vocals fit well into the groove of the song.  His Vocals are reminiscent of early Night Ranger and exhibit a seasoned tone and sense of familiarity. The tracks to follow sustain the same level of competence between the Southern flavored title track.  The songs “Saints & Sinners” and the song “Sound the Alarm” seem to have a more modern sound, with their harmonies being polished and delivered with a driving rhythm section.  The hard-hitting attack of “Drugs & Lust” does its part at keeping the listener engaged. The transitions between verses are a notable highlight; with a touch of old school Fuzz distortion and then some bluesy lead grooves it will keep you wanting more. The fifth song “Temptations,” is a slow track which has a beautiful acoustic flow and some nicely done vocals.

The song “Hallelujah” starts with a thunderous heavy guitar riff and Vocal reminiscent of early Warrant and enhances the likability of the track.  Once the chorus hits, the similarity to Warrant goes away and Shallow Side shines. On the tracks to follow you grow a new appreciation of the bands song writing skills and musical direction.  Songs like “No More“, “All Rise”, “Not Alone,” and the Closing track “Carry On” will etch this band in your heart and like me, the music will become a part of your play list.

Shallow Side’s catchy big hooks and beautiful vocals that comprised their earlier work make a welcome return, and I appreciate their occasional flashback to retro harmonies alongside their more modern vocal delivery.  I’m just pleased that the band shows listeners that there is still room for today’s modern songs to have musical and lyrical merit.

Shallow Side is:

Eric Boatright (Vocals)

Cody Hampton (Bass/Guitar)

Seth Trimble (Guitar/Keyboard)

Heath Fields (Drums)

TRACK LISTING:

1. Revival
2. Saints and Sinners
3. Sound the Alarm
4. Drugs and Lust
5. Temptations
6. Hallelujah
7. No More
8. All Rise
9. Not Alone
10. Carry On

Album: Saints and Sinners

Band: Shallow Side

Reviewed by: Storm@backstage360.com