Jan 09 2009 11:25 am,

The Shaky Hands

‘Lunglight’

( Memphis Industries)

‘Lunglight’ trails The Shaky Hands’ debut by just a year and, whilst other second albums are often marred by plummeting energy levels, the Portland four-piece show no sign of slowing down. With its stuttering percussion, spasmodic melodies, and Nicholas Jeff’s jittery quaver, ‘Lunglight’ is the sonic equivalent of an epileptic seizure. Sound-wise, it recalls the boozy vitality of ‘Youth And Young Manhood’-era Kings Of Leon, or a less experimental White Denim. The pounding blues of ‘Air Better Come’ borrows the cataclysmic breakdown from The Velvet Underground’s ‘White Light/White Heat’, whilst ‘World’s Gone Mad’ wails about crazy people with a feverish repetition. What they lack in originality is compensated for in energy and bassist Mayhaw Hoons’ ace name.

Sophie Thomsett

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