• achtergronden
• DE 7EVEN
• video's
• agenda

ernaast

Therapy? | Shameless

Honest, fun and hard rocking.
CD, Ark 21/Universal

Tekst: Ian Ignjic

Publicatiedatum: 17 december 2001

There is a certain amount of satisfaction derived from watching your favorite bands evolve over the years. The pleasure of being challenged by new sounds and atmospheres, new and fresh ideas, is a big part of anticipating a new release from an old favorite. However, sometimes you just want to hear them turn it up and rock out.
Therapy?'s 'Shameless' caters to those who desire the later. The boys from Ulster are back with another full length release. By now they've become rock veterans with well over ten years of records and touring, and after all this time they're still able to put out a straight forward rock record. 'Shameless' is not really an evolutionary step on its own, rather its a record that seems to reflect a mix of all the territory that the band has traveled before.
During the first decade of existence, Therapy? was one of those bands that grew and changed with each record. They started out with an edgy, underground early 90's sound on 'Caucasian Psychosis', pumped out some edgy alterno-metal on 'Nurse', reached punk/pop perfection on 'Troublegum' and explored rock's darker, deeper sound on 'Infernal Love'. Their albums after 'Infernal Love' took on a darker, harder, crazier sound, losing some of the accessibility that was always a big part of their sound, and offering up a newfound intensity as a substitute. While they were definitely some great releases, 'Semi-Detached' and 'Suicide Pact, You First' lacked the melodic songwriting that was the trademark of earlier Therapy? Releases. In 2000 the band released 'So Much For The Ten Year Plan', their 10 year "best-of" style retrospective. However if you were looking for a true, original, tribute to the last 10 years of Therapy?'s evolution, 'Shameless' is the ultimate tribute.
'Shameless' was recorded in Seattle, in the same studio as Nirvana's 'Bleach'. It tried to capture that same straight forward energy. It sounds like the band just got together, invited a few of their friends to sit in on some songs, and had a big party out of it. The album captures this energy perfectly, the same energy that made Therapy one of the funniest live bands around.
From the opening chords of 'Gimme Back My Brain' it's obvious that we're being taken back to the old, melodic, days of Therapy? This little pop/punk anthem sounds like it would have been at home on 'Troublegum'. Indeed most of the songs on 'Shameless' could have easily fit into different Therapy? albums. 'Gimme Back My Brain' and 'This One's For You' bring back the old pop perfection days of 'Troublegum', 'Dance' brings up the dark vibe of 'Semi-Detached', 'I Am The Money' sounds like it could have followed 'Nausea', the opening track on 1992's 'Nurse', 'Stalk A Slash' brings back the early days of 'Caucasian Psychosis', while 'Joey' and 'Body Bag Girl' sound like they belong on 'Suicide Pact, You First'. Seems like Therapy's entire career is reflected in this latest release (with the possible exception of 'Infernal Love'). And yet at the same time 'Shameless' does a very good job at standing on its own. The songs just seem to fit together, bound by a youthful spirit. 'Shameless' is not just a great collection of songs, its also a pretty good album.
Shortly before the release of 'Shameless' I got a chance to catch Therapy? playing live here in New York City. Its a rare pleasure for us Yanks, since the band hasn't visited these shores in well over 5 years. And even though its been half a decade since I last saw them (a lifetime in band time) they didn't seemed like they aged at all as a band. They still commanded a fun, youthful, presence on stage. They still just turned it up and played loud. And most important of all, you could easily tell that they were having a blast doing it. And that in itself seems to be the heart of the band. The fact that these guys genuinely love what they do. They may not be the world's biggest, richest, band, but they just may be one of the most honest, and they certainly seem to be having a blast doing it.
'Shameless' is definitely a good record. Its honest, and fun. It reflects the spirit of the band well. Just put it on, turn it up and have a good time.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/therapy/shameless/1111/
Meer Therapy? op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/therapy