Just a few weeks before her wedding, Shannon Shaw lost her fiancé Joe Haener in a car accident. It was a terrible blow for Shaw and her bandmates. Shannon and the Clams are known for their upbeat Garage Rock. How does one continue in the face of such tragedy?
“The Moon Is In The Wrong Place” (Easy Eye Sound) finds a way. Throughout much of the album, the California-based band grapples with their emotions. Dark abysses open up, making it difficult to find their smiles again.
Doo-Wop is dialed back, with “Paint It Black” as the foundation. Lost Sixties Garage Rock with bluesy elements takes precedence. “The Hourglass” is particularly restless. It’s a vortex from which there’s no escape.
Is there still hope? “Bean Fields” tries to spread cheer. Country vibes abound, as if a big barn party is underway. Yet, it doesn’t quite distract as intended.
“Life is unfair, yet beautiful / I see it now,” the album concludes. Beautifully said and entirely true. We’re glad that life goes on nonetheless.
Shannon and the Clams – The Moon Is In The Wrong Place: Melancholic garage rock – RIFL
