If we are looking for a small garage band that kicks ass with their own authentic vibe, we should look in the direction of Sheer Mag who are so atypical, but also so irresistible. The first time I have heard about then was two years ago when they dropped an amazing record Fan The Flames. Then I was reading reviews of their live performances and every single one of them was writing about a crazy band with even crazier female singer. I hope I will have a chance to see them live. Until then, let's dissect their debut.
Sheer Mag was formed in 2014 and ever since they released three EPs and now their debut record Need To Feel Your Love is officially out. The album was preceded by a compilation simply named Compilation on which they summarized their work from three EPs. Their play is very retro. They sound like a small unknown band from Detroit from the onset of the 70s who plays with garage rock and some dance elements, so their music comes off as reincarnation of raw Jackson 5. This description needs to incorporate eccentric singer who is powerful, dynamic and just effective to deliver what needs to be delivered from this type of songs. Many will complain how she is rather yelling than singing, but that's what these songs demand and I really don't think any other approach to vocal interpretation would work.
You can love or hate 70s rock, so you will love or hate Sheer Mag because they play with those retro motives very well. Sometimes they pull off T-Rex glam rock, sometimes they sound like The Stooges' grandchildren, and this gives the album an incredible dynamic. Everything is recorded with minimal production, so the final sounds appear rough and raw.
Need To Feel Love is not an album on which you will find a plethora of hits, rather encounter raw quality of garage rock. Sheer Mag is refreshing new band on the scene because they do not sound programmed. They live their life by their own rules, and that's how they create music as well. The energy transmitted through their songs can bring anyone who is dead inside back to life.
