A band who emerged from a Shed in Bolton and only released their first single in January 2020 have created one of the most anticipated albums of the year.
Like so many of us, of a certain vintage, it is heavily influenced by the spirit of the Roses and sounds absolutely mint. Before I give a track by track review I would like to talk about the band and their attitude. I am basing this mostly on Roy Fletcher, singer songwriter and main mouthpiece who is very active on the socials. The Sheds are a great bunch of blokes, Roy, Tim, John, Ollie and Shane. They’re funny, humble, friendly whilst totally believing in their abilities. They champion others in the music scene and there’s no aloofness here. They are a bunch of mates and want others to join them. I haven’t seen them live but those who have will confirm it isn’t an audience watching a band, its a party with everyone invested in the good vibes. A sign of their class was shouting out previous band members on their promotional posters for the album. “Once in, never out”.
So they’ve got loads of good will on their side and great expectations for the debut album, but is it any good? Will it twist your melon or should you call the cops? Here's my track by track review.
Side A
Modern Way
The swagger of Ian Brown mooching on stage and a minute of sexy guitar riffs introduce the album with a beast of a tune. The percussion is spot on Roses fans are gonna love it. It’s over six minutes long but I’ld happily listen to a 12 minute version - it’s that good. Roy’s lyrics are uplifting encouraging you to get up and stand proud when you’re feeling beaten down by the system and life. It’s a call to everyone suffering and struggling in their lives. The message is to find strength in the love of your friends and family. And stick it to The Man whilst you’re at it.
Amsterdam
The narcotic mini break to the Dam was a mega single last year, one of seven singles released over the last two years that makes it to the album. Amsterdam opens with the sounds of bicycle bells, trams and The Shed Project trying to make it across the street in a hazy adventure. It’s such a feel good song that they are probably entitled to a grant from the Dutch Tourist Board. The trippiness takes off as a little Beatlesesque Day In The Life sound montage is followed by the tempo suddenly taking off as the trip starts to get out of control.
My Life
Song three is the amazing autobiographical tale of life as a kid growing up in the 80s. Being of the same age as Roy, this really resonates with me. A song about growing up, taking knocks, and being defiant that you can rise again and believe in yourself. The music is wonderful and you should all know it by now - if not put it on!
Temptation
A new song that reminds me of the Inspiral Carpets and early Charlatans. Underpinned by a great bass line with jangly guitars. A song about offering help to a friend who’s fallen into addiction. It’s an upbeat banger despite the message that you can fall too far into temptation.
Sal
A gorgeous love song sung to Sal. It sounds a little like The Shed Project covering Fleetwood Mac’s Albertrous at double speed. With the tropical birdsong samples it places it on a warm island beach in my mind.
Lucky Number
Roy continues his wooing and outlines his best pick up techniques in Lucky Number, a early single and the first Shed Project songs I heard back in 2020. The early singles have all been remixed for the album as their production skills have rocketed over the last year.
Bedtime
Side B starts with Bedtime. I’m calling it Side B because I fully expect a vinyl release at some point, even though the initial releases will be digital and on CD. There is even a vinyl crackle mixed into the beginning of Bedtime on the recording so “I hear my needle hit the groove”. This is a song that deals with a troubled mind, fearing the night terrors. Bedtime was released as a single raising funds for a mental health charity last year. It’s got a great sound and reminds me of The Verve and Spiritualized as it builds to it’s finale and prayers are raised whilst the strings swoon in. Class!
Livin’
A tale of hard grind and weekend hedonism. The mix has elevated this song from its murky beginnings as the debut single and it sounds really crisp now. It has an Oasis B-side feel to it and heralds the end of the chilled section.
Don’t Wait For No-one
OMG! Without any warning, a hurricane of beats, jagged punky guitars and squelchy acid noises erupts. I’m all in! We’re now joyriding the Bolton bus on two wheels hurtling ‘round Banger Corner. This is the album’s Beggin’ You and it’s a highlight on a album of highs.
One Shot
Another top new mix of an early single. One Shot is a joyous blast of fun that’s placed just where you need it. “One Shot, One Goal, Gotta Live Your Life Before You Get Old”. This is The Shed’s shot and they are living it large - even without their mate MC Tunes on this version.
Feel My Love
And the tunes keep coming - Feel My Love is as high as a falsetto dripping in chiming guitars with the biggest chorus on the album.
Friend
So the album signs off with blistering rabble rousing crunchy guitars and unhinged beat-fest like a XTRMTR era Primal Scream. This new single is out in April (or now on bandcamp) and will definitely surprise many who think they know what to expect. The finale again goes atmospheric and then suddenly silence and you are in awe of what you’ve just listened to.
The Curious Mind of A Common Man by The Shed Project delivers in spades. It proudly shows off it’s influences, the same great bands we’ve all grown up with, and it’s an equal (whispers “Sometimes better”).
Oldindiekid Feb 2022