We’re only a couple of weeks into summer, but I might have already found my favourite album for this season. The unique blend of reggae, punk, and hip hop showcased by Them Sharks in their new album Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension is the ideal soundtrack for steamy summer days enjoyed with a beer in hand. It grabbed me from the first high energetic track “5am Fuzz” and didn’t let go.
You might remember me writing about the single “Tsoukalos” a few weeks ago. It’s sounding just as fresh now, and remains one of the album’s standouts. I also love the positive vibe of “All I Want.” It’s another of those tracks I keep coming back to because it just feels so good.
I might be missing the point, but I couldn’t see what “Democracy Manifest” and its penis talk really add to the album. It all felt a little puerile, and sandwiched in the middle of the album it breaks up its flow. Thankfully with the next track “Danger Zone” we were back on track.
“Haleiwa” transports the listener to a beautiful beach, taking us out of our everyday and putting us in a more relaxed frame of mind. Its big chorus makes sure the song never feels sleepy though. This is reggae with bite, something Them Sharks do oh so well.
I imagine the closing track “Hive Mind” would go off in the live arena, with its frenetic drums and raucous singalong chorus. It’s certainly the most intense track of the album, and it really sends Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension out with a bang. The recording does a pretty good job of capturing its energy, but it does hint at another level of excitement.
Return to the Lower Fourth Dimension is a really funky release from Them Sharks. It’s officially released on December 18, when they’ll launch it with a show for hometown fans at Perth’s Amplifier Bar.