Shim – SHIM
(BFD)
Reviewed by Emma Hughes.
Having all but disappeared from the music scene for a number of years, former founder and lead singer of Australian rock trio Sick Puppies Shimon Moore has launched himself back into the spotlight with a new solo, self-titled album. Now recording under the name Shim, it’s clear that his time away from his former band has been a time of reflection and hard work for the singer.
The first play through of “SHIM” delivered a serious dish of nostalgia alongside these 11 new tracks – it’s definitely true that you often don’t know you miss something until you see (or in this case hear) it again. I was immediately tempted to go back and listen to Tri-Polar again – the album responsible for drawing me into Sick Puppies in the first place – but instead stuck with Shim, and I am really glad that I did. It’s a solid return to form and the next chapter of his musical career seems promising, as I couldn’t resist sticking a few tracks on repeat even during the first play through (as someone who will almost ritually listen to a new favourite song at least 70 times in a row before changing to something else, this is nothing new for me).
The lead single from the album, “Hallelujah” is a strong rock tune with a fairly serious tone to its lyrics – speaking of knowing the right time to make certain steps in life, messing it up and then living with it, but celebrating your place in the world anyway – and is accompanied with a video nothing short of hilarious featuring Shim and a band of sock puppets. Other tracks I particularly enjoy include “Secrets”, because not only is it a total earworm but who hasn’t been screwed over by a chick at some point in their lives, “Our Time”, an inspirational, rallying rock song, “All of Me”, which wouldn’t sound out of place next to some 2010-era Thirty Seconds to Mars, and “Crucified”. That one’s just cool.
SHIM is an album packed full of anthemic tunes with relatable lyrics that are sure to reach out and grab old and new fans alike. Whether you’re like me and are approaching this as a Sick Puppies fan of old, or someone who’s never heard of Shim before and just appreciates some well crafted, feel-good rock music, check this album out. You’re bound to find something for you in there.
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