New Orleans’ instro scene is a weird one but as of lately a surprisingly active one. We’ve seen releases from surf punks The Bills, the au naturale Quaketones and the unnatural Unnaturals in just the span of a few months. Shark Attack’s debut 10” is more firmly planted in capital S Surf Guitar than any of them, though they certainly like to subvert it as well.
“Shark Fiction” is Misirlou that certainly doesn’t take the Dick Dale approach, turning it into a creeping, ominous menace. There are some other creative takes on familiar numbers: “Gorbashark” finds its way into a hip-shakin’ Tetris theme and “Stingray’s Van” is a rough & tumble take on Caravan (I only just now got the connection with the name).
Shark Attack has a great energy live though half of these show their moodier side. But when it slows it’s not a snooze, keeping things interesting with changes in rhythm and textures. It’s a band where each member has a distinct, noticeable contribution to the composition, and it’s great to listen and pick it apart like that.
The best way to get this one is their release show at Saturn Bar tomorrow night. I’ll be spinnin’ records! But for those that can’t you can order the (murky blood-red) vinyl on bandcamp.
