The Shivers- More

On the Shivers' More, the band's frontman, Keith Zariello, comes off a little more lovesick than usual. The songs here deal with many flavors of love, but many of them don't taste all that good. And intentionally so, because More doesn't have a very positive outlook when it comes to relationships. But what makes it so appealing is Keith Zariello's convincing portrayal of an irrational lover, a helpless victim, or an emotional philosopher. While not every act in this play is a solid one, it's a somewhat memorable experience from a group with a strong personality.

Is this record for you? Find out in this review.

Review: The Shivers- More

"Love is in the Air" MP3

The Shivers- "Love Is In the Air"

MP3

It's another track from the new Shivers album, More. Frontman Keith Zariello is sounding particularly sexy on this one, seriously. But there are a lot of layers to this track if we scratch below the shoulder-swaying grooves and corny lyrics.

My first reaction to this song was a weird one. I felt seduced, offended, and seduced once again by the end. The track starts off nice enough, but once the mention of prancing around in your underwear comes around--not once but four times--my eyes went wide while I screamed in my head, "Whyyyyyyyyyyyyy!?!!?"

But despite the oddness of that statement, it's true. If someone loves you, this person wouldn't really care if you pranced in your underwear. In fact, this individual might find it cute.

That sentiment only gets carried further as Keith sings about love being in the air, dying, and every other cliche phrase one can imagine. But if you love this song, you love its flaws, too. This song seeks that kind of acceptance, and hopes singing about it will bring it into fruition.

This album is out now via Silence Breaks.

The Shivers- "Used To Be"

MP3

New MP3 from the forthcoming Shivers album, More--no it's not a Beach House cover.

Stylistically, the Shivers love using their LPs to jump all over the place. "Used to Be" is a keyboard-driven piece of garage pop, but some quiet and tormented acoustic ballads are sure to creep into the track list.

That's not to say this tune isn't heavy with emotion. The story and excited instrumentation paint a picture of a man throwing his past self to the curb. It's the sound of personal metamorphosis, and coming terms with the hand life has dealt--because not everything should be taken lying down like a dog.

The album will be out on May 10th via Silence Breaks.

The Shivers- "Love You Like A Dog" ‡ STREAM

The Shivers are a New York outfit I was introduced to by an associate of this blog, Brian Rowe. The band is currently recording a new album, and their frontman Keith Zarriello recently released a solo effort: Truants From Life. That album's currently being offered via donation.

The album above, unfortunately, has not been officially released--and it probably never will be. Right now, it's a Shivers LP that sits in limbo, but it's somehow made it onto file-sharing sites and blogs around the Internet. Some of the songs on it are pretty stunning, bringing the longing and despair that's always been presents in the Shivers' music to a new high. Not many moments on Sunset Palms get sadder than the one below. Brace yourself for an emotional impact:

Stream: The Shivers- Love You Like a Dog -