The Shanklin Freak Show  - Welcome To The Show EP

Rumours and fears of the demise of the Shanklin Freak Show since their debut release in 2008 have been squashed forcibly as they return with their new EP and a campaign to take over the world. From their hidden cavern they rebuilt with a line up change, plotted and fine tuned their steam punk circus rock, and took it far beyond the next level, all the while increasing their determination that all fall before them. This is the first step in the corruption of us all as they have vowed to bring forth an EP every 3 months for the next 2 years, ambitious? certainly,  possible? Never doubt The Show.

With the “Welcome To The Show EP”, the Isle of Wight UK, Freaks have enforced and enhanced their sound with more power, imagination and dark vaudeville theatre. They have taken their dark circus and turned it into a wicked Cabaret. The title track starts off the journey through their kind of hell, an immediate foreboding of what is to come, a 30’s style welcome that turns into a disturbing beckoning of their finger, dare you enter? 

Following on comes 8 more tracks, plus a hidden extra, of musical and visual dark genius, the words and vocals of cult leader Mr Strange, a sinister painter of images, swirl alongside and within the musical stratums in every track. The Shanklin Freak Show create music layer by layer, everything thought out and built perfectly so that each time you hear a track you find something new within. The tracks like the first releases from the EP, “Liberate Mae” and “Carousel”, take light and dark, place it side by side then twist it all around. Newest member Stench brings a new crashing steely guitar buzz complimenting the bass pounding rhythm of Neandyfoul and skin basher Sgt Stirling as swirling carnival sounds intertwine with their industrial electro rock. It is impossible to pick standout tracks as all fall into that category, ”Noir Soleil”, “The Cars That Ate The World” on equal pedestals as any other mentioned before, and with “Life’s A Cabaret” being picked up for use on The Reputation Radio Shows intro, it shows the band are starting to infiltrate and violate with their music.

If you only check out or buy one thing this year make it this (well and all their future EPs), they are the nightmare in the corner of your mind but you will welcome them as they give you a show you will not forget.  This EP is the beginning of the end, a warning and celebration that climaxes with the world end in two years, enjoy, there is a not a better way to go.

“Welcome To The Show“ is available now, new videos coming soon, check out their website for more information at http://www.theshanklinfreakshow.com/

Pete RingMaster 14/02/11

Copyrighted RingMaster 14/02/11