Los Angeles rock act The Shelters released their self-titled debut a few months back and are now currently on tour with fellow Los Angeles rockers Night Riots. Produced by rock legend Tom Petty, The Shelters bring a snappy old fashioned feel to their debut, showing off their skill and mature expertise in music. While two of the group’s members, Josh Jove and Chase Simpson, have performance credits on Petty’s latest album, Hypnotic Eye, we can’t help but think that this album had something to do with the overall sound and flavor of The Shelters.
Opening with the bouncy indie-rock tune “Rebel Heart,” we hear a taste of a Creedence Clearwater Revival influence throughout the track. Following the style of Wisconsin indie act Locksley, the songs simple structure will certainly make it a popular song with their audience and turn anyone who hasn’t heard of The Shelters before into a fan, urging them to sit down and listen to the album the entire way through.
“Nothin’ In the World Can Stop Me from Worrying ‘Bout That Girl” is another sprightly tune, sure to make it on many music playlists and its lighter sonic sound brings different vibes and feelings than previous tracks. Introducing a country influence by way of the guitars, it’s wonderful that The Shelters can write such deeply creative tunes, making it not only a fun experience for them, but for everyone listening as there isn’t much that is not to like on the LP.
“Never Look Behind Ya” is perhaps the punchiest track on the LP and by far its strongest asset. Pulling you in from the second it starts, the guitar has an infectious bite that draws us in with a strong Petty oversight, leading us to wonder if he somehow helped with its composition.
The records last song which is titled “Untitled,” is listed as a hidden track though we aren’t sure of its purpose. With psychedelic guitar sounds and waves crashing, it feels like a waste of a song and that the group should have ended the record with “Down,” a number that while still spicy, winds the audience down enough to think that The Shelters ended on a high note.
While The Shelters are still newcomers to the music scene, they exude a new energy that hasn’t been heard in music for quite some time. With their ability to cross the age divide, The Shelters can keep going for many years to come, reaching as many new fans as possible.
Listen to “Never Look Behind Ya” below. The Shelters was released on June 10th.
