Habitat Shuffle - Sober Drift

Habitat Shuffle

Sober Drift
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By J Simpson

The atomization of styles and genres in the 21st century is both thrilling and nerve wracking to watch as bands re-invent the wheel and chuck rules and expectations out the window.

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan's Habitat Shuffle is a little bit of both. It's refreshing to see such a young band going full tilt after something uniquely their own, "to create innovative experimental music that any average listener could still dance to," in their own words. But how often do you want to listen to a jazz skronk emo punk prog meltdown?

Sober Drift is a pretty apt title for this record as the many disparate elements seem to drift apart like Pangaea. Each song seems less like a single, solid entity than a series of moments and details. It's bizarre and that's what I like about it. Also, bonus points to the band for a sense of humor, like the whistling on "Soda Date,” or the guy trying to bum 20 bucks on album closer "Dice.”

I'll come totally clean here and admit my bias. I cannot stand pop punk music; there's been maybe five bands in the history of music that I can tolerate who blend shouted vocal harmonies and buzz saw guitars. If I were ten years younger this EP would sound totally normal to me. As it is, it kind of seems like they should just learn how to sing. On key. If you're not Stiff Little Fingers or Bad Religion, I don't want to hear it.

So if Saves The Day meets Steely Dan with a touch of Arab On Radar spazz, then this record is for you. Habitat Shuffle can play and write and has countless ideas. I'm sure if they keep doing what they do they will find their audience.

Become A Fan

Tweet