Saturday, June 27, 2015

Mike Sands - Shot of Reality


2014 – n/a
By Phillip Smith; June 27, 2015

Songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Mike Sands dishes out lush positively-charged servings of power pop on his album, Shot of Reality.  This is the kind of music one can just settle in for a nice listen with.  Sands is joined by Paul Avgerinos for backing vocals and performances on all other instruments.

It’s easy to get lost in “The Wait is Over”.  The poppy rhythm and relaxed vocals are reminiscent of Matthew Sweet.  Full of catchy riffs and inspirational lyrics about starting over, “Wander No More” reminds me a lot of REM, one of my all-time favorite bands.  It’s no doubt I was instantly drawn in from the first listen. Another fantastic song with that REM texture is the twangy “Closet of Skeletons”.  Smooth harmonies and the infectious melody make this one a damn cool tune.  Sands delivers the goods again on “Love Letters”, a poetically soulful ballad about an empty relationship.  This is still swimming in my head.

Shot of Reality has a certain raw charm about it, reminiscent of the great garage bands of the Sixties.   The songwriting is reflective of real life and the music is tight and solid.



  





For more information on Mike Sands, visit his website http://www.mikesandsmusic.com/


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