'Gone by the Dawn' is without doubt a record that is 1950/60’s inspired first class 'rock n garage roll'. First listen it seemed decent enough but straight away on subsequent plays you really begin to appreciate the varied vocal styles of Shannon Shaw, singer and bassist of Shannon and the Clams.
A brilliantly paced and varied record Shannon casts a giant spell across the entire record, as does guitarist Cody Blanchard with his killer riffs.
There are some toe tapping classics, ‘ I will Miss Jasmine’, ‘Point of Being Right’, ‘Baby Blue’ and ‘Telling Myself’. ‘Corvette’ is a gem, with decade spanning guitar and the sultry soulful tones of Shannon to the fore.
The album was apparently written as one member of the band was recovering from a serious breakup and another was deep in one. The lyrics are definitely reflective of those opposite emotions.
Thirteen songs on the record the shortest 1 min.47 secs the longest 4 mins .24 secs all thirteen will get a reaction from the listener either jumping around the room or, sitting down to swoon.
The band is based in Oakland, California and 'Gone by the Dawn' is their fourth album and one, which should really open some doors in Europe. The band has two UK dates planned so far for November;
11th November - Oslo, London
12th November - Sticky Mike's Frog Bar, Brighton.
This is a joyous record that you will still be playing in your car next year when it’s warm enough to roll the windows down again
Pete
9/11
