Artist description Treading on the outskirts of ska, funk and rock, thealbum has some excellent hooks and thoughtful lyricsby lead singer Myk Aho. The young five piece band has been together just more than 5 years,and they're a tight unit. Chunky, funky guitar chordsby Ralph Lowen and smooth horn playing by Chris Whiteand Nick Reynolds are confident without overplayingor trampling each other.

Music Style ska, funk, rock,jazz

Musical Influences many

Artist History Formed in the early spring of 1994 in Colorado Springs,Colorado, this five piece band caught fire in their home state. Shamus first gained recognition playingthe underground punk/ska/swing scene. Even though their music did not fall into any one of these categories, their music carried so much energy and passion that they could fit in with any band and move any crowd. Shamus has played out with such great acts as The Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Reel Big Fish, Ozomatli, Run Dmc, The Skeletones,War,Blue Meanies, MU330, Royal Crown Revue, Fishbone, and many,many more. In 1996, the band released it's first full length album, "MovemenT". Unsurprising to people who've seen Shamus livebut unusual for a debut, Shamus' album, "Movement" is a fantastic effort instrumentally and melodically.In the summer of 1997 the band moved to Huntington Beach California in search of more vibrant music scene. After a year and a half of touring throughout So. Cal. They were offered a contract with Hollywood Records which the band turneddown in order to stay in control of their music. The band has recently relocated to Denver CO to write more music and to get out of the chaos of Southern California. The bands latest release is due out soon.

Group Members Myk Aho (vocals, Lyrics)Ralph Lowen (guitar, backup vocals)Mike Barry (Bass)Tynan Olsen (Drums & Percussion)Chris white (trombone)Nick Reynolds (sax)

Press Reviews Without consciously thinking about it I, like most of us I suppose, organize my music in the same manner as a radio station-programming director. In a given month I might listen to no more than ten to fifteen CD's on a consistent basis. Given those metaphorical parameters, I think I can safely say that the first release from Shamus entitled "MovemenT" will receive a heavy rotation slot in my listening bin.A cantankerous old fart at the age of 24, I didn't really believe that a group of high school (or near that age) kids could do much to really impress me. Well, I guess I have to say that Shamus put the smack down on my stereotypical preconceptions. "MovemenT" is an eleven-song testimonial to what can happen when a band spends time concentrating on quality songwriting and bringing it out in the studio.The highlight of this funk-laced ska adventure is Myk Aho's vocal breadth. He has a rough tone, enough to give him a rock/punk feel, but he remains smooth, allowing melodic passages the chance to imprint them selves upon you. Track three "Livin in a Burning House", is one that sticks out as an example of Aho's range. The song starts out with him singing forcefully but not over the top. Midway through the verse he hits a few higher range notes that remind one of a cross between Prince and Dave Matthews. Heading into the chorus, he's belting it out. Only to resolve with a breathy bridge reminiscent of Eddie Vedder's more subtle work.Aside from guitarist Ralph Lowen's quick time chank, Shamus gets much of its ska feel from the small horn section consisting of Chris White on trombone and the sax of Nick Reynolds. Although not quite as punchy and tight as Tower of Power (but he, who is?!) these guys give the album plenty of hooks. Check out "4 Walls" or "Perceptions 1996" to hear the dynamics that no "brass" setting on a keyboard could ever hope to capture.If I had to guess, I'd say the Lowen was at one time a blues player. His clean sound is tight and bubbly. The quick riffs he pulls off during the funk intro of "Seperation/Desperation" has blues based pentatonic written all over them. The result of having funk, ska, blues, and rock as elements of his playing, is that the album never gets monotonous.Not content to keep busy just singing the vocal melodies, Aho also provides the band with the low end. Unlike most bass players who also sing, Aho doesn't just stick to tonic notes. Of course most of his playing shines during nonvocal vamps. However he still able to provide a solidly textured groove while concentrating on other tasks. I must admit his sound is a tad muddy. I mentioned this to a local soundman that had worked with Shamus before. He assured me that the muddiness was in no way a reflection of Aho's playing, but rather the limitations of his equipment. An unfortunate aspect of the album is that on more than a few songs the drums sound isolated and thin. It's not a major distraction from the album in any way. Most people would never notice, but Tynan Olsen is playing his ass off and it would have been great if they were able to capture a more inclusive warmer tone.So yeah, all in all, there are some flaws and mistakes, but for every negative point I found at least four or five positives to take their place. One thing is for sure, I wish to hell that we had a band this cool at my high school.__Dave Olsen, The Rover Record Bin, Aug. 1996

Location Denver, CO - USA

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