They say that the measure of a great rock band is their ability to play live. Tellingly, as fashions have changed over the years, this is one truth that still stands the test of time. It really doesn’t matter how many million you throw at over-rated producers if you don’t have what it takes to leave an audience electrified; more often than not, the best albums in the genre are those that sound as raw as an open wound.
Rock records should be gritty rather than glossy. One band who understand this are Brooklyn-based but Irish-born four-piece Von Shakes, who legend has it used to rehearse in Howth directly downstairs from HP’s sports columnist, Craig Fitzsimons, who always enjoyed every note.
Birthed in a barn in Eden, New York, their debut LP Bohemia was recorded live over a period of five days and committed to tape (yes, actual tape). Thrillingly, there are times during the opus when you can hear singer Patrick Brazel’s voice almost give out from the strain as he continues to push himself to breaking point to make the best album he possibly can (‘Robinson Crusoe’) and this all-or-nothing approach makes for a really fun listen.
Musically informed by the likes of The Libertines and early Razorlight, tracks such as ‘Control’ and ‘Sit, Wait & Pray’ are sterling indie rockers while album closer ‘Away From Here’ ends proceedings on a quieter, more introspective note that leaves us wanting more...

Key Track: 'Sit, Wait and Pray'