I like it. I like it. I like it. This six-song EP from local rockers Shake the Faith bounces along from pop harmonies to punch and groove rhythms to soulful expression effortlessly and in good taste. The songs are structured around lively progressions and are not over-iced with purposeless vocal embellishment or hastily written guitar solos.
Guitarist Todd Stevens, drummer Currie Powers, bassist Jon Weed and lead vocalist Andy Hogg have established a solid, catchy sound. The final product is uncomplicated but diverse, though it does tend to borrow much from other artists at points ("Paisley Girl" sounds like Enuff Z'nuff).
The tape finds its strengths in the band's ability to write and arrange heavy tunes without getting lost in the weight of the song. Cuts like "Let Her Go," "Paisley Girl" and "Mr. Psycho" have all the crunch and thunder any metalhead craves, but add a clean mix, well-placed harmonies and tactful soloing to the equation so that the sound down not get bogged down.
The tape finds its flaws in Hogg's tendency to scoop up to his target notes and in the borderline formulaic nature of some of the writing. But why wallow in deprecation when the overall effect is so good?