From the relaxed vibe reinforced by the same mid-tempo beat, to the breathy vocals and disjointed lyrics, To All Beloved Enemies by The Shimmies is an album whose monotonous sound keeps it from being distinct or memorable.
Tracks lack character or distinction, as each one sounds the same as the one before it, reliant on the similar tempos and unchanging, slow- dragging vocals that create the band’s style, but traps them in a mold that they seem to be unable to break out of. Additionally, if lyrics are your favorite aspect of music, To All Beloved Enemies is not for you.
If you can get past the similarities of the melodies, then your disappointment will come at the regular lyrics, none of which are impressive or remarkable enough to stand out in one’s mind.
The opening track, “The Thing That Seems the Hardest” is good enough to make you want to listen further, as it’s mellow lyrics and marching band snare beat create a creative and different contradiction. “Un Fantome” is a decent track, long (6:22) but progressive, and the vocals are easier to understand.
The other six- minute track, “Judas” sounds similar though, so no need to listen to both. Other highlights of the album include “Beloved Enemies” and the more up-tempo track, “Love Holiday,” which both break the monotonous mold and are a bit refreshing in that sense.
Overall, do not expect much from The Shimmies, or their album. Although, it could sound out of this world, literally, if you were stoned.
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I’m still not sure how I feel about this record, but you clearly didn’t listen to it. Reviewers are dangerous and bad reviewers are ridiculously dangerous. Nothing you said about this record is accurate and I hate it that you have a voice on the internet. These guys could use a bit more originality, but seem very talented and their lyrics are more genuine and inventive than most of our generation. The songs are extremely catchy in a good way. I could see this record getting a lot of play. Oh and Unfantome and Judas are the two most distinct tracks of the bunch. I don’t usually go around attacking bloggers, this is just a piss poor attempt at writing on what seems like an equally bad website. Everything but Urban? Thanks for letting us know you don’t like rap. No one who knows anything about music would name their blog some ignorant shit like that. I’m not sure if I’d call myself a Shimmies fan yet, but after reading this bullshit, I’m going to try like hell to become one!
Hey Bob!
Thanks for the comment! Just wanted to clear up something…the site is called “Everything But Urban” because we have a sister site that is completely dedicated to urban music (ie Rap, R&B/Soul).
As I’m sure you are aware, reviews are based on the writer’s opinion just because it doesn’t match yours doesn’t mean its wrong. Anyone who knows anything about life would know that.
Best of luck with the whole Shimmie-love brigade (ignore the sarcastic overtones – seriously, indie bands need all the love they can get).
Bob, you must be a comedian. The reason I say this is because you are hilarious. Let me clear some things up. Firstly; make sure that when comment negatively on a website’s name and origin, you get your facts straight. Secondly; you should probably listen to an album in its entirety before accusing someone of doing a poor job reviewing. Thirdly; we all know you are associated with the Shimmies, so please stop pretending. I will admit that I have never heard any Shimmies music. I am writing this response however, because I strongly dislike imbeciles who believe that their intelligence is a god send.
P.S. This is dedicated to all beloved enemies.