Shirock Title: Everything Burns Label: Shirock Publishing Year: 2009 Rating: 3.5 / 5

This pop rock 5-piece from Nashville, TN. are churning out some quality pop rocks gems. The melodic integration of guitars, bass and drums, moistened with catchy piano riffs and aural vocal harmonies come alive in this 12-song record. Shirock has taken the formulas from great pop rock bands and has cleverly fused them in their arrangements and compositions. Everything Burns has the appeal of any pop rock record to come out this year complete with hooks and catchy songs. The U2-ish “Drag You Down” explodes in a four-minute jaunt that will have the listener rockin’ out with the CD in no time. Both lead singers have a wide range in their vocal abilities and why not? With both being Vocal Performance Majors in their own respect, the two can blend harmonies and melodies like canaries at the break of sunlight. Piano-driven “Silver” reminds me of the Cranberries for some reason but this song displays the flexibility of the band and it’s full potential. That same song has Pap’s vocal abilities front and center as well with great vocal harmonies from Chuck. Treading on nothing new nor fresh though, Shirock ends up sounding more melancholic than rockin’ but nonetheless good. The overall song writing is well written and arranged though so it makes up where it lacks. Everything Burns seems to have been made with the intention of following in the tracks of their influences which Shirock has accomplished but I believe that there is an absence of originality. But that does go to say that I can’t take away what they’ve done with this record, production alone, they get an A+. Like One Republic or Thriving Ivory? You might’ve found a new ammo for your arsenal then.

By: Gian Erguiza