Western Shores by Kill The Robot is the debut single for a band that features Stephen Gibb within its ranks. For those of you who don’t know, Stephen Gibb is a lifelong metal head who has played with likes of Black Label Society and Crowbar. He also just happens to be the son of legendary Bee Gee, Barry Gibb, so don’t be surprised to see reviews of anything he does mention that at least once. Kind of like I’ve just done.
However, that connection is the only thing in common between the two bands, as Kill The Robot is a damn fine rock band, whose first single is a dreamy, yet kick ass, track that is dedicated to their friend, Taylor Hawkins.
Right, that’s the usual lazy journalism out of the way, onto the review.
Within its verses and its bridge, Western Shores nails the feeling of being on a beautiful beach, conjouring up images of sunsets, tequila, and watching the world go by, as it washes over you like a series of cool waves on a hot summers day. It is almost dreamlike – and trust me, considering how little money I make out of this, that’s about all I can afford right now – allowing you to close your eyes and picture yourself just letting go and embracing a cleansing of the soul. It truly is beautiful.
Then the chorus kicks in and you’re throwing shapes and air guitaring like a madman. Which isn’t a good look while you’re walking around the local supermarket, but bollocks to it. If you don’t like it, old lady, don’t watch the show.
The way Western Shores balances its mellow parts with its balls to the wall rock and roll is incredibly well done. It is a tightrope that so many bands fall off of, but Kill The Robot not only manage to get to the other side, they do it while riding a unicycle.
Musically and vocally, Western Shores is a delight and brilliantly performed, but special mention has to go to Jean-Pierre Espiritusanto, who channels the spirt of Taylor Hawkins throughout, hitting fills that the former Foo Fighter would’ve been proud to call his own. In a song that is a tribute to their fallen friend, his work stands out as a pure mark of respect.
As debut singles go, Western Shores announces Kill The Robot as a band who needs to be paid attention to and if this is anything to go by, I feel their self titled debut – due out on July 11th – is going to be a banger of a record.
You can watch the video for Western Shores here:
RATING: 3.5 OUT OF 5
RATING SYSTEM:
- 0: Fucking Shit
- 1: Shit
- 2: Not Bad Shit
- 3: Pretty Good Shit
- 4: Amazing Fucking Shit
- 5: The Best Shit You Will Ever Hear
PRESS SOURCE: James Sherry/Division Media.
