Artist: Shplang
Title: Thank You, Valued Customer (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, XTC, Squeeze, Frank Zappa, Sparks
Tell me more: Shplang has returned with one of the last great album releases of 2023, the bewitching melodic rock-minded Thank You, Valued Customer. As ambitious as it is listenable, Thank You, Valued Customer showcases the literate and involving approach of core members Peter Marston and John Krause.
The winning horns-adorned single "Understood," wistful psychedelic-tinged "Look Me Over," playful "Das Diddley" (the latter showcasing the band's virtuoso musical chops) and luxurious "Everyone Can Change" are early standouts on the ambitious album. Shplang's sixth full-length album continues its intoxicating run with the modern rockers "Buddha (What Was That?)" and "Lay A Little Love On Me" (the latter bolstered by a super cool instrumental bridge), and tuneful-meets-crunchy delight "A Son Son." The sci-fi-themed "Little Mushroom Men From Mars" somehow blends spoken word, a terrific chorus and virtuoso lead guitar work from Scott Goldbaum into something fully original.
Information: bigstirrecords.com and https://orcd.co/shplang.
Robert Kinsler
