Album Review: Shanghai Treason - "Shanghai Treason"

 

We seem to have had a bit of an influx of folk-punk bands in these pages in recent weeks and Sheffield natives Shanghai Treason are another new name to add to that list. This is their second album and on the evidence of opener Emerald Causeway they're definitely towards the punkier end of the list with the tempo being kept high and the guitars kicking on the chorus in the best Levellers style.

The frenetic banjo-powered Gatling Gun keeps the momentum rolling nicely and the likes of Freeman On The Road and the wistful Boatman definitely sound like the sort of thing the Levs used to do so well back in the way (and to be fair have started doing well again on their most recent album) while Uphill Battle and Truth Be Told bristle with a defiant energy and Hero's Welcome sees them drop the pace to a more countrified sound. They even have Dan Booth from fellow folk-punks Ferocious Dog guest on the ferocious Wildfire. The only slight drawback on this album is that the tinny production leaves a bit to be desired and it feels like these songs are more snapping out of the speakers than roaring the way that say Ferocious Dog's do. Hopefully this is something they can sort out for next time.

Even allowing for this though, Shanghai Treason is a good solid slice of folk-punk with plenty of energy and combativeness to help it barrel along. Definitely one of the more promising bands I've heard in this increasingly populated genre in recent months.

Bandcamp Link (CD purchase only)

NITE SONGS RATING: 🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌑🌑🌑 (7/10)

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