By Ben Ralston
This disc will make you think Oasis. Take that anyway you will.
With ex-members of The Verve, Stone Roses, and The Seahorses, The Shining has the make-up of a Britpop supergroup. Their debut album packs a load of wonderfully catchy rock songs, perhaps even something radio-worthy, but on the whole, it’s a little spotty. They make two or three failed attempts at something a little more down tempo/romantic but each track goes flaccid within the first few seconds. One song seems to have more roots in Sonny and Cher than anything else.
Still, it’s undeniable that they can produce some great rock ‘n’ roll. This album really is a good buy–just as long as you’re not opposed to taking your car keys to a song or two.