Shyyne - 'Go Your Own Way'

(WDFD Records)

Shyyne’s ‘Go Your Own Way’ is a retro rock album that will definitely be of interest to rockers who were big fans of the 80’s LA Strip music scene. They aren’t reinventing the wheel musically and it would be easy to think this album was originally released way back when so any music fans lusting after this style of music will thoroughly enjoy discovering this album. Steel Panther are seen as a piss take of the 80’s where as Shynne are more of true pastiche of that era all delivered with a love and respect of the genre.

There is a lot of passion and love of music apparent in the song writing and it does help elevate the impact of these songs – when you hear so much music devoid of genuine feeling it’s refreshing to hear something created with a real passion.

Shyyne are all about fun times and putting the negatives of life to one side. Lyrically most of the songs are about staying positive or just generally having a good time. The only real expectation to this is ‘Ain’t A Crime’ which is a heated vitriolic blast towards critics and the music press.

Shyyne wear their influences openly in their song writing, so comparisons to Ratt and LA Guns come quickly to mind. I would say they are slightly more melodious especially on their choruses in comparison to most bands they would cite as influences. I hear a bit of an Eddie Van Halen influence in some of guitarist Mark Wilkin’s style which may not be obvious on casual listens, but on multiple plays you’ll catch it! His chunky guitar riffs give this album a real driven energy.

Album closer ‘Song for the Broken hearted’ is a real homage to the late 80’s and early 90’s rock ballad craze of the time which I believe will be appreciated by even fair-weather rock fans.

Shyyne are definitely a marmite band they will evoke opinions on total opposite ends of the spectrum, you’ll either hate them vehemently or love them vigorously. Either way if the 80’s rock scene is your thing and you want to hear something that steps right out of that time I highly recommend you check out ‘Go Your Own Way’, a beer close at hand is also advisable! Expect lots of up-tempo rock and roll full of feel good fun times!

7/10

Essential Track - 'Take Me Down'

Review by Woody