Shoveljerk Digs Down To Deliver Deep Concert Energy

Shoveljerk

Friday, Feb. 16, The Met

Never mind that Shoveljerk’s song “Unwind” is all over the radio and the band’s debut album “Swarm” is selling out across the region. And never mind all the other hype surrounding the band, which led to every seat in The Met being filled for Shoveljerk’s record-release party Friday night. None of this means a thing if the band can’t rock on stage.

Taking a nod from Black Happy (three-quarters of Shoveljerk come from that band), playing live is what this Coeur d’Alene rock combo does best. The four won the crowd during opening chords of “Easy Target” and kept it through the final notes of the last encore, “What I Want.”

It didn’t take long to realize Shoveljerk is a better band live than on disc. Nothing against “Swarm,” which is an especially good first album. But it’s too produced, often snuffing out the band’s raw energy, passion and catharticness. All are traits that thrive in the live element.

What were subtle progressions or changes on the record suddenly became emphasized live, hence making more of an impact. The bridge in “Heat Vs. Down” is a good example. It builds and suddenly erupts and then calms.

What Shoveljerk also proved in its 90-minute set is that its music goes beyond its radio singles, “Unwind” and “Kill My Buzz.” The band ripped through both songs early on, relying on lesser known songs to build momentum.

And it worked, because Shoveljerk’s best songs aren’t the singles. The self-examining “Heat Vs. Down,” the climactic “Pollyfector,” the anthemic “Summer” and the sparkling power-pop explosion “See Ya” stood out among the many highlights.

It’s amazing how well the members of Shoveljerk play together. The brothers Paul and Mark Hemenway, and Greg Hjort have come a long way since Black Happy and have become exceptional players. Hjort, in particular, has really become an exceptional vocalist. His backing vocals and occasional leads soared confidently into the balcony section. At times, the guitarist’s vocals even mirror Paul Hemenway’s.

What gives this guitar unit its sonic punch is Zia Uddin’s bombastic drumming. As the night wore on, he didn’t grow tired. Rather, he pounded harder and harder, provoking the rest of the band to increase its level of aggression.

If Shoveljerk is going to rely on winning a national following by constant touring, it won’t have a problem as long as the band keeps churning out performances like this.

, DataTimes