Shakedown

New Sound Delivery

Root One Music

(Shakedown MySpace)

Well Sacramento’s Shakedown may have gone through a ‘shake-up’ both personnel-wise and musically since its last album; however the good news is its latest offering still takes that crucial next step forward confidently and bravely into new territory.

New Sound Delivery continues to showcase the most enjoyable elements of Shakedown’s previous reggae stylings like on the first single, Love to Get Love, and the laid back kick of Easy that Way, complete with steel drum melodies. However, it is the newer sounds explored and mined that produces the brightest jewels.

Recruiting wisely from singer/guitarist, Mark Kinyon’s previous band (Daily Struggle) the addition of MC Bles and DJ Mr Vibe gives Shakedown that extra punch required for some of its more hip hop oriented songs. Here both new members add an unbeatable new intensity on the hip hop and rock crossover tracks, like album opener Undone and Heart of the Machine. I can’t even imagine what they are going to sound like in a live setting and the same goes for the blazing, Million MCs.

Just when you think you have figured out the method to Shakedown’s new-found creative madness, the band will surprise you from left field, like on the dub rock of Ride Me Western or the poppy punk rock of one’s the album’s more catchy moments in Time in Line.

Compared to the band’s previous album’s, as a whole New Sound Delivery is certainly a more enjoyable affair, mainly I believe due to the refreshing new variety Shakedown has thrown into the mix. The Pier is already licking its lips in anticipation to see what new sounds Shakedown will deliver next time around.

Reviewed by Pilipo

You can purchase New Sound Delivery online here