Shake Some Action - Full Fathom Five

Shake Some Action! Is an explosion of jangly 1960s pop on their 4th LP Full Fathom Five. Echoes of 1965 era Byrds, Beatles and Who are at the forefront of an album inspired by the classic and unique sound of the Rickenbacker 12 string guitar. Recorded and produced entirely by the band's own James Hall, the album has it's genesis in the purchase of said Rickenbacker in January 2012. The guitar was shipped from a small store deep inside a midwest winter storm and had to sit inside it's box for a week after arrival in Seattle to allow it to slowly acclimate without damage. On opening it, Hall promptly plugged in, fell in love with the sound and new songs gushed forth as if frustrated by the wait. He recorded ideas for 20 songs that day and spent the rest of 2012 finishing them. The best 14 now comprise Full Fathom Five. In typical SSA fashion, the bright, melodic hooks almost submerge the meaning of the lyrics until repeated listens reveal tales of alienation (Lost In Space, Lost Without You, Tomorrow), inspiration (Nothing Can Stop Me Now, Soul On Fire, Shining Star) and bittersweet longing (The Girl With The Sun In Her Eyes, When The Sun Shines, I Didn't Know What To Say). The title track tells a tale of metamorphosis: 'full fathom five, that's where I lie, though I'm not quite the same, everything must change'. By the time it all finishes with the rollicking tongue-in-cheek tale of the rituals of 'calling shotgun' (familiar to any touring band or indeed anyone who's ever been a teenager in the US), a splendid time has been had by all. Full Fathom Five is unashamedly retro, hopelessly melodic and undeniably catchy. In other words, everything you would hope for and expect from this critically acclaimed Seattle band. Reviews of previous SSA releases: 'a knockout' - the Daily Breeze 'you gotta love the name! And they live up to it! BIG TIME!' - Kool Kat Music 'these guys are special' - Powerpopaholic 'there are some cracking tracks here. Powerpoptastic!' - Blues Bunny 'a perfect hybrid of jangled-up pop delight. Extremely Highly Recommended!!!'- Bruce Brodeen, Not Lame 'know this band. ^#^listen to this band.' - John Richards, Seattle Sound 'guitars and harmonies like this always sound so good.' - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, allmusic.com.