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Shofar - s/t (2017)

BANDCAMP: https://shofar.bandcamp.com/releases
BROADJAM: http://www.broadjam.com/shofar

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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