'Selfhood' (your reviews/comments/reactions)

Selfhood - 2/10

I really didn't know where to post this, whether on the Facebook group, or the bands Twitter feed, then I realised the people that will probably be most interested are you guys on here.

So basically, I've just listened to the Selfhood stream from the RockSound Website and I have to say I am overwhelmingly disappointed with this record, in fact, as far as Sharks records go, I think it's absolutely bloody hopeless.

For a band that I have seen live on countless occasions, having closely followed their rise since The Joys of Living release, I find this really disappointing. Much of Selfhood sounds as if it wouldn't seem out of place on a Fall Out Boy record, or any other useless punk rock band who have an aged 12-17 following and which I fear Sharks may have now given way to become.

Mattock said about the writing of the song 'Gold' that "It's great when you can just throw four chords together and everything just fits and feels good" - just throw a few chords together? When I started listening to Sharks that wasn't what this band was about - it was about the craft, the artistry and inventive but meaningful lyrics, harking back to an age when songwriting wasn't done on the fly because the label demanded a quick release.

As far as I'm concerned the whole record sounds as if it was written in the back of a van on the way to the studio.

The fact I've paid $50 (Or whatever it was) for the bundle pack doesn't really bother me, because lets be honest, who wouldn't off the back of a record like 'No Gods'? What does bother me though is I fear one of my favorite bands are probably about to fall off the cliff into the sea of very average punk rock guitar bands, who each somehow managed to lose or forget their identity.

There is perhaps one, or maybe two, decent songs on the record, and even then 'Sunday's Hand' and 'My Wild One' aren't a patch on anything Sharks have ever released before.

I don't mean to be the bearer of such pessimism, but, if Selfhood is anything to go by, I don't know whether these lads have much left in the tank - one more album I'd say.

Hi, welcome to the forum! I've got nothing against your opinion, and I'm sure others feel the same way, but have you given it a few listens or just one?

I felt similar to you at first, but the songs have quickly grown on me after having the whole thing on repeat a few times. I feel it's at the same level as No Gods, personally.

Do you think this one could perhaps be more of a grower? Maybe you could bump it up to 5/10?

Also, though I do disagree with you, it may be a good idea to post this elsewhere too, quite honest and well written, nothing wrong with that. But definitely try and give it some time and try again!

To an extent I agree. I have only listened to Selfhood once all the way through and I must say I too am pretty disappointed. I think it does sound rushed with many tracks blending into one another.

No Gods was such a great (almost flawless imo) album that a follow up was always going to be difficult but I just feel that their decision to get a follow up out as quickly as possible has backfired. I can't stand the production of Selfhood. In pretty much every song you have to really strain to hear the vocals and in some songs I can't make out much lyrically which as was pointed out by mattlee has always been a strong part of the band's make up and identity. I can't help thinking that with better, clearer production, I would warm to some of the songs a lot more. Selfhood just appears to lack songs with real structure and there are very few catchy hooks like there were with No Gods.

It's not awful though there are tracks I like but to me there are only two that really stand out and those are I Won't Taint and The More You Ask Me...

This album definitely feels like a regression to me and I just hope they spend more time writing and recording their next album. I really hope they can get a bigger producer on board for the next record to really bring out their potential because as they proved with No Gods they have so much.

Hopefully this is just a blip.

'Selfhood' is my kind of album and it's exactly what I was hoping for, so it's a 10/10.

I must admit that I didn't rely on the album stream to come to that judgment and that I've probably listened to the album right through a good ten times by now. Hence, if you have problems with the mix, for example, wait for the real deal. I loved 'No Gods', but had issues with its American production twang (if I can put it that way), which was especially strong on the opening track and made it sound like generic pop punk. On 'Selfhood' though, the production is just as it should be. I especially like the drums on this one, as Sam get's to shine like never before, and James' vocals are much rawer.

I am also happy to say that I have followed Sharks since just before the release of 'Show of Hands', so I like old Sharks as much as any fan, and 'Selfhood' is as good as anything they've ever done. This is The Clash meets The Smiths meets Mattock and Bayliss, and that's more than fine with me.

As for the songs, there isn't a filler in sight. Stand out tracks for now are 'Gold', 'Room with a Grey View', '22', and 'Pale', and ... you see, it's hard to pick. The closer too is a really impressive track. The whole thing hangs together really well. Andy's melodies are as good as ever, and I really think James is a fine song writer.

If it isn't your kind of album, so be it, but speaking as a long-term, hardcore Sharks fan, this album is as Sharkish as they come.

I think the album is great. Have liked Sharks for a couple years now. I think it is true to their sound. And I love it. Can't wait to hear some of these songs live, particularly the more you ask.., my wild ones, and all of them really. 2 thumbs up from me.

Since discovering this band in 2009 they have seemed to rock less and less with each new release. After listening to Selfhood and few times and really being unmoved. I fear the next release could be the one that puts me to sleep. Yawn...

Amazing what a couple more listens can do. I am definitely warming to Selfhood. It is still a lot more understated than No Gods to me but the songs are still pretty solid.

My Wild One reminds me of Turn To You quite a lot. I think Sharks are following a similar template to my favourite band The Gaslight Anthem. As I really see The Joys of Living as their 'debut' I link this to Gaslight's first album Sink or Swim. Quite fast and punky with some real special tracks it showed how much potential had at that time. Then came in my opinion Gaslight's masterpiece 2nd album The '59 Sound. It was an instant classic with every track being a great song. I feel the same about Sharks' No Gods. I just think everything came together perfectly with this album and again from start to finish it is just a joy to listen to. I'm hoping I will be proved wrong but I wonder if Sharks will ever top No Gods as with Gaslight and The '59 Sound (Handwritten is a very close second). Those two albums are just that good to me. Then came Gaslight's 3rd album American Slang. I liked it but it was more of a grower than an instant classic like The'59 Sound. It was a different sound and took a bit of adjusting to. I think this is exactly how I feel about Selfhood. I wasn't initially a big fan of the production because it is so different to No Gods, but I'm getting used to it. There are some really strong songs on Selfhood and a few will undoubtedly become crowd favourites. If Sharks produce a follow up to Selfhood as good as Gaslight's Handwritten to American Slang it could well be right up there with No Gods.


At the moment my ranking of the songs on Selfhood goes:

1. The More You Ask Me...
2. I Won't Taint
3. 22
4. Gold
5. My Wild One
6. Sunday's Hand
7. Your Bloody Wings
8. Room With A Grey View
9. Selfhood
10. Portland
11. Pale

I have to say, in response to what everyone has said within this thread, having listened to the album religiously for the past 3/4 days, it has really grown on me!

Remarkable what a few days can do!

I'm yet to be entirely convinced by it but completely accept my earlier judgement was probably a bit harsh on the lads, just waiting for my bundle to come through, then I'll get it playing out on my sound system and hopefully it will continue to get better and better.

I do maintain, however, that Portland is the worst Sharks song they've ever produced - bloody terrible.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to going to see them in Nottingham on the 4th, should be good.

I wasn't too excited leading up to the album, the singles didn't really do much for me, and on first listen i was pretty disappointed, but after a few listens I've really got into it. My favourites are Gold, The More You Ask.., Your Bloody Wings and Selfhood.

tomlobban wrote:

I wasn't too excited leading up to the album, the singles didn't really do much for me, and on first listen i was pretty disappointed, but after a few listens I've really got into it. My favourites are Gold, The More You Ask.., Your Bloody Wings and Selfhood.

I feel exactly the same. It's amazing just how much I'm loving the album now. I think the fact that it was quite different than No Gods songwise and prouction wise threw me a bit at first. But now I've just accepted it on its own merits and it is pretty special. This band just makes music that makes me happy to be alive. I am so grateful for discovering this band

I've made a bit of a lengthy review, it's here if anyone wants to see:

http://applerotten.tumblr.com/post/49090110470

Gave it an 8/10

Jagveer /// wrote:

I've made a bit of a lengthy review, it's here if anyone wants to see:

http://applerotten.tumblr.com/post/49090110470

Gave it an 8/10

Great review mate. Really enjoyed reading it and concur with majority of what you put

Christophe wrote:

Jagveer /// wrote:

I've made a bit of a lengthy review, it's here if anyone wants to see:

http://applerotten.tumblr.com/post/49090110470

Gave it an 8/10

Great review mate. Really enjoyed reading it and concur with majority of what you put

Thank you! That all comes from letting it grow on me though, I hope others give it a chance too, rather than dismiss it right away

Jagveer /// wrote:

Christophe wrote:

Jagveer /// wrote:

I've made a bit of a lengthy review, it's here if anyone wants to see:

http://applerotten.tumblr.com/post/49090110470

Gave it an 8/10

Great review mate. Really enjoyed reading it and concur with majority of what you put

Thank you! That all comes from letting it grow on me though, I hope others give it a chance too, rather than dismiss it right away

Yep I was the same. First listen I was completely unmoved but then it just clicked after two or three more listens. I love the album now and I'm certain that Sharks are completely on the right path. As I said previously their music just makes me happy to be alive. It's great music to play when you feel down to pick you back up again. The outro of Gold is just pure ecstasy for me. I think it's quite remarkable how good Selfhood is considering how quickly they wrote the album. Already can't wait for their next album!

Quote :

The outro of Gold is just pure ecstasy for me

I really like the Radiohead-style guitar line towards the end of Pale

I'm sure glad you chaps are starting to see the light.

I'd throw myself in the category of being "a massive Sharks fan" and I have to say this album has been played religiously since it arrived yesterday.

I really like it, the more I listen, the more I like!

The ending part in 22 is amazing, I love that riff!

Was very keen on Portland when it first surfaced and that still ranks quite high for me on the album along with 22 and My Wild One which was a welcome surprise to end the album!

Gold is officially my new favourite Sharks song now. Cannot believe I didn't really like it after my first listen!