Written
by Larry Robertson, posted by blog admin
Shofar’s
journey back into the world of active recording has been a long time coming,
but their self-titled six song EP doesn’t disappoint. The band’s lyrical
message, courtesy of main songwriter Larry Hagner, has broadened some with the
intervening years out of the studio, but they remain much of the same creative
unit they were before their layoff. These are engaging songs cast in an
alt-rock setting, but there’s definitely plenty of classic guitar-driven song
motifs worked into these compositions. The lyrics are accessible and easy to
follow, but there’s no question that Hagner is a writer of rare distinction
whose able to push his language into listener’s consciousness without relying
on a bevy of poetic flourishes. Shofar’s self-titled re-emergence is one of
2017’s most satisfying releases and definitely positions the band for an
impressive 2018.
You’d think you are in the presence of hard
rock greatness based on the first song alone. They hint at a progressive
flourish with their music in the intro to “Running” before changing things up
into an full on guitar assault that only abates with the first verse. The
guitars back off, never far, and give Hagner’s voice a chance to take over the
cut. He fills it with an immediate presence that only grows more dramatic with
the song’s chorus. “Running” is a memorable start to the EP. “Powerman” finds
Shofar trying something different on for size, a sort of pop rock gloss, and it
fits them well while still allowing them to make a substantive musical and
lyrical statement. The music will please audiences without ever sounding like
it’s pandering for attention. “Shades of Grey” brings back a little more of
their rock and roll bite without ever veering too far away from their core
accessible sound. It comes more in flurries here and they serve to punctuate Hagner’s
lyrics well.
“Hands
Down” is the EP’s second great rock track and you can tell that Hagner takes a
great deal of relish in belting this one out, but it never comes across in a clichéd
or hamfisted sort of way. We move into much more serious concerns with the
number “Countdown” and Hagner’s songwriting puts over the end of times with
such dramatic urgency you can’t help but react. It’s imaginative, has a
message, and will produce a reaction in anyone who pays close attention. Shofar
brings their recording return to an impressive curtain close with the track “The
Coming” and they broaden both their instrumental sound and vocal approach here
to nice effect. It’s an obvious closer for the EP and a clear signal of intent
that they continue to aim high with both their songwriting and performances.
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