Sharks Never Sleep - Jawsome

Reviewed by: justbradley (09/20/12)

Sharks Never Sleep – Jawsome EP
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: April 28th, 2012

What do you get when you combine sharks with pop-punk? You’d either get a pop-punk band comprised of sharks, or a pop-punk who likes using shark puns in their music. Well, thankfully, the latter is what Michigan pop-punk band Sharks Never Sleep specialize in. Their name is quite clever, because sharks actually don’t sleep. If you’re looking for a pop-punk who loves sharks, look no further than this band. Well, I think new EP Jawsome would give it away.

The EP starts off with “Chum Rush,” and while it’s a bit of an intro, it’s a nice one. Musically, it’s really nothing special, but lyrically, it’s about sharks. That’s not a surprise, but it’s enjoyable. It’s different, so I like it. Vocalist Kevin Kalnasy isn’t the best vocalist I’ve heard, but maybe it’s due to the production on this EP. I like it, but it’s not perfect. If this band actually were signed, and had solid production, I’d like them a lot more. That’s not to say I don’t like them, but the production really makes or breaks a record for me, and the production is the only thing I’m having a problem with. That’s not to say the EP itself is bad – I actually really enjoy it.

As for the rest of the EP, it’s actually wonderful; don’t let the shark puns fool you, because there are more than just the joke song titles, and silly puns. Second track entitled “Casey Anthony,” has a rather interesting title, but don’t let that fool you. The lyrics actually are quite introspective, and meaningful. That track, and third track “You Had Me at Penetration” (I can’t believe I just wrote that, because I never thought I’d say that) are two tracks that are quite short, and pack quite a punch. “F.F.A.” is one of the few tracks that features a bit of screaming to make for some interesting variety. The screams are not half bad, either. However, they don’t really do anything to add to the EP, while it is interesting.

Overall, the EP’s quite enjoyable, and if you’re a fan of sharks and pop-punk, give this a listen. It’s not the best thing I’ve ever heard, and I think mainly it’s due to the production not being that great, but if they could record some good quality tunes, I’m sure they’d be a lot better. They would sound better, too; I liked the EP, but the production didn’t impress me that much. It’s not their fault, I’m sure, but production is important. Also, another interesting thing about this EP is that there are sound clips from TV and movies that are about sharks, and those are fun to listen to, too.

Recommended If You Like Pop-punk and shark week.

Additional Information
Track Listing:
1. Chum Rush
2. Casey Anthony
3. You Had Me at Penetration
4. F.F.A.
5. Refused
6. Glass Shards Are Stuck In My Heels

Sharks Never Sleep is:
Kevin Kalnasy: Vocals/Guitar
Mark Vollmerhausen: Bass/Vocals
Jeremiah "Juice" Cox: Drums/Vocals

www.facebook.com/sharks-never-sleep