Attractive Distraction - Independent
The debut album from East Vancouver’s Shockload starts off with a real cooker of a song with “Settle The Score”. The song pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the album as relenting is not something that interests this group. Shockload’s sound can best be described as a band that borders on greasy rock and gutter punk. The vocals are sung with a snarl and there are some tasty guitar solos too.
I particularly like the third track where singer-guitarist Ryan Ruin takes issue with the Vancouver Stanley Cup rioters with the fittingly titled “The Disgrace.” This record is chocked full of rowdy sing-a-longs and many are packed with solid gang vocals. The music is catchy without having lame pop punk tendencies, keeping the hooks hard driving and balls out. Attractive Distraction is not without it’s diversity, as towards the end they get downright metallic on back-to-back tracks “Meatheads” and “Homewrecker.” Then finish with the light melodic ditty “I’m Trying”. This album rocks hard throughout with other standout songs like “Bail Me Out” and “While You’re Down There.”
Attractive Distraction will never get credit for reinventing rock, but it sure knows how to nail it down.
- Heath Fenton
