Title Fight
Shed
SideOneDummy Records (2011)
Sounds Like: Tigers Jaw and Balance & Composure were invited to Title Fight’s kegger.
Score: 8/10
With one of the country’s most loyal and quickest-growing fan bases, Kingston, PA’s Title Fight had a lot of people paying attention when Shed was released back in May. The band’s catchy hooks, energetic live shows, and brutally honest lyrics have attracted legions of fans of genuine punk rock over the years. But it’s hard to avoid the trap of a sophomore slump, and in my opinion, Shed’s slower pace pulled them into that trap.
This isn’t to say that Shed isn’t good, because it really is. But it suffers by comparison to what I know the band is capable of. I hold The Last Thing You Forget in very high regard, and maybe I just need to give Shed more time to grow on me, but in terms of matching the quality and overall vitality of their debut album, it feels like they came up a bit short.
My unwillingness to fully embrace this record probably comes from the fact that I view Title Fight’s greatest strength to be their ability to make the fast, aggressive parts of songs sound really catchy by using the great combination of both vocalists (guitarist Jamie Rhoden and bassist Ned Russin.) But on Shed, they really only put it into high gear on a handful of tracks. “Stab” for example, was stuck in my head for days thanks to the awesome drum transitions and addicting final sentences. “27,” the first single, and one of the best songs Title Fight has ever released, jumps from the speakers and leaves you no choice but to bang your head. One of my favorite tracks is actually the slower tempo tale of homesickness “Where Am I?” But for me, this record is at its weakest when it slows things down too much like on the snail’s pace finale “GMT,” and “Safe in Your Skin,” which is mud-on-a-cold-day slow.
Title Fight has never been a band to try to wow people with intricate musicianship or over-produced vocals and I’m glad they kept it that way on Shed. It has a very raw feel to it and there’s a certain amount of anger/passion in both voices that carry every song. Lyrically, this album leaves a little more to be desired, but there are a few standout songs that are exquisitely written. “27” is great to me because when the lyrics are simply read, it comes off like a sad and somewhat creepy poem. But when performed, the song is heartfelt, fast-paced and pulls no punches. “Crescent-Shaped Depression” is notable for how fun it is to sing along to and because of the relevant subject matter of feeling like you’ll never leave the town you’re in no matter how hard you try. “Your Screen Door,” is hands-down my favorite song on Shed because the lyrics are relatable as hell and the song itself opens and closes with a mesmerizing and eerie little melody that I loved.
Shed fell short of my expectations; nevertheless, there are more awesome parts in this record than most bands can hope for. It would behoove you pick this up and see for yourself.
-Felipe Garcia
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