The Shivas have come a long way over the years. We’ve seen quite a few albums since the band’s beginning in the early 2000’s, released on labels like the DIY Gnar Tapes and the honored Pacific Northwest reppin’ K Records. Flash forward to present day, where Better Off Dead came out just last month. Their 5th album, Better Off Dead pomps a pastiche of keenly conjured surf rock, tinged with doo-wop and a western twang. Contributing vocals from all members (guitarist Jared Molyneux, drummer Kristin Leonard, bassist Eric Shanafelt and percussionist Ian Hartley) keep the tracks on Better Off Dead varied and harmonious, without sounding bulky or overbuilt. It’s likely they’ll play almost all of the album at its release show tonight, so stream it below and get yourself acquainted ahead of time.
Playing with the Shivas will be Deli Portland Artist of the Month nominees Sculpture Gardens and Cat Hoch, the winner of the Deli Portland’s Best Emerging Artist of 2015 title. This tightly stacked bill is happening at the Doug Fir, with tickets from $8-$12. Doors at 8pm, show set to begin at 9pm. With the serpentine technique of Cat Hoch and the brazen rock pop styled in a 60s-esque fit of Sculpture Gardens, this show will be nothing short of a hella fun time.
-Cervante Pope