Album Review: Lowe – Sharky and the Habit

Sharky and the Habit comes out of the gate alive, sweaty and sticky. Paul Clos’ angry sandpaper vocals cries out with powerful demands. Any song that conveys emotion convincingly is a winner in my book, and Sharky and the Habit have a lot of them. “Lowe” is an excellent title track about being at the bottom. A fitting title for the album as well (although I don’t understand the extra “e” unless they’re referencing Swedish band Lowe or maybe an illiteracy aesthetic?)
“Ain’t got no job just worry / Ain’t got no time to spare / Ain’t got no money for my baby / and my dinner plate is bare”
That’s some pretty rough stuff. The points of how to exist in Lowe generally asked by Lowe are answered in “Makin’ Do”. The only thing you can do is survive life isn’t a choice. I’m glad the songs are about real issues as opposed to what girls the songwriter wants to bang.

James North does some exceptional guitar work throughout the album. He lays down some catchy riffs and precise guitar solos. If you like Alice and Chains there’s a decent chance you’ll be into Sharky and the Habit. “Cresent Lk. Rd.” is reminiscent of Motorhead’s Ace of Spades. Even though I wouldn’t say anything on the album charts new territory. This is a solid rock album completely holding it’s own.
The album ends with two delicious acoustic tracks. These songs holds up without the distortion pedals.

3.5/5

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“Lowe” – Sharky and the Habit