American musicians and songwriters Ty Segall and Mikal Cronin got together back in 2009 to release a vinyl only, limited addition eight track collaboration on Kill Shaman. The album was received so well it’s now being re-issued for all to hear on In The Red this month.

The pair grew up together in Laguna Beach, played together in bands like Epsilons and
Party Fowl and Cronin often does backing vocals for Segall, so it was only a matter
of time before the two took some time off together to make something special. A mix of
psychedelic effects and driving garage rock Reverse Shark Attack is loud, chaotic
and full of guitars and pounding rhythms.

Opener “I Wear Black” is a noisy, driving track with attitude whilst “Drop Dead Baby” is
a building, thumping song with a more lyrical focus; “I’m gonna drop dead baby, if I take
another look at you” sings Segall, barely audible amongst the soundscape.

“Ramona” is classic Segall, it’s a short, up tempo track full of frantic drums that will
leave your head bopping in a frenzy. “Doctor Doctor” carries on this feel almost like the
tracks shouldn’t be played alone.

“Take Up Thy Stethoscope And Walk” has faded vocals and a DIY feel like the whole
album does, in fact. It brings more focus to the guitar melodies and and intense layering
of these with some quieter picking takes place quite sporadically.

Whilst most of the tracks sit at the two minute mark, title track and final song “Reverse
Shark Attack” is a ten minute long mix of slower tempo guitar, vocal harmonies, folk
frenzies, smashing drums and more noisy garage rock. To conclude, Reverse Shark
Attack is a must listen for fans of these two artists and will not disappoint.

Reviewed by Heather Welsh.