Search - June of 44 :: Anatomy of Sharks

Pass the mic...

John Carswell | Franklin, TN | 01/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Anatomy of Sharks did not so much end the old era of June of '44 as it truly initiated the new one. The album features only three tracks, but manages to clock in at almost twenty-three minutes. The first track, "Sharks and Sailors", pretty much sums up everything the band did on their first two albums. It rocks in parts like "Anisette", it rattles through a "Pale Horse Sailor" style segue twice, and makes it clear why the band dropped the ships thing after this EP. Don't get me wrong though; the song rocks. It is one of my favorite. "Boom" is a very jazzy trumpet/drums drone that leads directly into the band's later work. Other than excellent drumming, it really goes nowhere...fortunately, the band would get better at this style. "Seemingly Endless Steamer" recalls work from the days of the first album, specifically "Rivers & Plains" and "Have a Safe Trip, Dear". Although it carries on a bit too long, it's a really awesome song. It would be nice to understand what Fred is shrieking about, but it's not really necessary for this song. The instruments carry themselves, and the ear-piercing vocals are an added touch to complete the formula of angularity. Where did I get that one from...? With this EP, JO44 dropped the boat rock shtick. Although it has been met with losses of old fans and harsh reviews of their most recent work, I think it was probably for the best. It has been said that if a band continues to do the same thing over and over, they eventually become a parody of themselves. Just look at the Rolling Stones. On this EP, which goes for ocean references non-stop, it is clear that JO44 had gone as far with angular guitar rock and sea-themes as they could. While they still had a few more angular rock numbers to offer, they were done with seafaring."

A pleasant surprise

Doomsday | Vancouver | 05/08/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"folks, don't be afraid of this cd. Sure, it only has 3 songs on it, but it weighs in at over 22 minutes long. 'Sharks and Sailors' is worth the money alone. I knew i was in for a treat when after about a minute into the disc, my girlfriend sighed and said "oh no". She knew what was coming. Yes, Jeff Mueller's screaming is enough to turn any non-June of 44 fan off, but enough to make us June of 44 dedicated fans explode with aureal pleasure."

A few treats for the dedicated fan

Doomsday | 02/28/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anatomy of Sharks is typical of other June of 44 recordings; loosely constructed and yet complex song structure and angry, frustrated lyrics (based nearly exclusively on this album on metaphors of the sea and sailors) are characteristic of the group. For the fan, though, this album boasts a few bonuses. First, Jeff Muellers vocals don't get any better than on the first track, "Of Sharks and Sailors." His best angry scream ever: "On this day... I've lost...faith!" Second, on the third track drummer Fred Erskine also of The Crownhate Ruin takes over lead vocals. It's the only time main vocalists Meadows and Mueller ever turn over the mike for more than a split-second, even though most fans would probably love to hear Erskine's unique vocals more often. Overall a satisfying EP."