Shotgun Rules
Sometimes playing rock and roll music is like juggling chainsaws. In fact, sometimes all of life seems as if we’re on stage juggling chainsaws.
Shotgun Rules has a song called "Chainsaw Juggling" (Fugitives and Refugees) that takes on this theme and does it rather well. Nice dynamics with the softer, ballad feel in the middle of the tune. But that brief respite doesn’t last long, because this is a serious band!
By serious, we mean that the next tune on the CD is "VS" and then, a bit later, the band is "Throwing Wrenches." Most good, young bands today are serious, even if their music is fun and funny. They are still serious musicians.
But Shotgun Rules is serious about being, well, serious. Ric Mattingley [Guitars], Corry Van Spronsen [Guitar], Dusty Mattingley [Drums] and John MacKenzie [Lead Vocals] have a very good time juggling their chainsaws and bring the listener along with every intention of frightening them and challenging them, thank you. Check out "Save The Clock Tower." It sounds like it would be a social-activist type of song, but then it’s not. Really.
Fine guitar work! Nice energy too.
This group heads to the north country for dates in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario, joining Farewell to Freeway on that trip.
Tags: Shotgun Rules, independent music, music, indie music, indie
May 10th, 2008 at 2:58 am
I think they are a good rock and roll band after quite some time. Rock and roll music is also needed to perform dance on stage and also it feels good after listening.
May 13th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Haha, Chainsaw Juggling is right. I find myself really liking the chorus that follows that song. I’ve yet to hear any other songs, but I figure CJ is a good example of the abilities of Shotgun Rules. Overall, they really aren’t too bad. There are rocking moments, and soft, gentle moments within the song, and though certainly not my favs, I applaud their musical ability.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I wonder if their song “Save the Clock Tower” has anything to do with “Back to the Future”? I definitely like this band. I can’t really put my finger on why, as I usually don’t like screaming over the microphone and passing it off as music. It probably has a lot to do with the drummer…excellent work.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Again, not my type of listening but I can still tell when something is good even if I don’t like it.
These guys are pretty serious and they are really good. As far as musicians go, some of the best young players I’ve heard lately. I mean as a group that is. Like they sound smooth together I think.