Shihad - The Meanest Hits (28/09/2012)
As with other New Zealand acts like Crowded House, we’ve turned a blind eye to Shihad’s kiwi heritage and labelled them honorary Aussies. The guys have released a double disc retrospective look into their career to date titled The Meanest Hits and launched both New Zealand and Australian tours, to celebrate their journey and achievements to date.
Some may not realise that Shihad started out playing thrash metal and hard rock influenced music, especially on the first EP Devolved, before switching to the more commercial sounds of grunge and alternative rock, which brought them their success. The varied selection of tracks on this two disc release reflect the shift in their sound over time, as well capturing over two decades of history the band has had together.
Fan favourites such as La La Land and Home Again are present, taken off Shihad’s self –titled fourth album, fondly referred to by fans as ‘the fish’ album, because of its front cover. Other popular tracks such as The General Electric and My Minds Sedate off album The General Electric also make the listing, including instantly recognisable hit Pacifier , which brings back memories of its excellent video clip, inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of ‘A Clockwork Orange’. New single Right Outta Nowhere is also a welcome addition to the album, proving to be a nice piece of distorted pop rock, showcasing the grunt and strength in Jon Toogood’s voice.
Shihad have done the hard slog, from international supports and tours to playing countless gigs in dodgy clubs and pubs. They’ve weathered a controversial name change which they’ve thankfully bounced back from and in my opinion are one of the more underrated bands to stem from New Zealand. The Meanest Hits is a varied and succinct retrospective of a great career, which I’m sure will make not only Shihad fans happy but provide a great introduction to first time listeners.
Nazia Hafiz
Some may not realise that Shihad started out playing thrash metal and hard rock influenced music, especially on the first EP Devolved, before switching to the more commercial sounds of grunge and alternative rock, which brought them their success. The varied selection of tracks on this two disc release reflect the shift in their sound over time, as well capturing over two decades of history the band has had together.
Fan favourites such as La La Land and Home Again are present, taken off Shihad’s self –titled fourth album, fondly referred to by fans as ‘the fish’ album, because of its front cover. Other popular tracks such as The General Electric and My Minds Sedate off album The General Electric also make the listing, including instantly recognisable hit Pacifier , which brings back memories of its excellent video clip, inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of ‘A Clockwork Orange’. New single Right Outta Nowhere is also a welcome addition to the album, proving to be a nice piece of distorted pop rock, showcasing the grunt and strength in Jon Toogood’s voice.
Shihad have done the hard slog, from international supports and tours to playing countless gigs in dodgy clubs and pubs. They’ve weathered a controversial name change which they’ve thankfully bounced back from and in my opinion are one of the more underrated bands to stem from New Zealand. The Meanest Hits is a varied and succinct retrospective of a great career, which I’m sure will make not only Shihad fans happy but provide a great introduction to first time listeners.
Nazia Hafiz