Laced with humor, hubris and humanity, this raucous album flows freely from tongue-in-cheek examinations of crotch toupees (“Merkin”), relationships (“Leave Me Alone”), and loss (“Guy I Used To Know”). Backed by percussion powerhouse Bobbye Hall, who's played percussion on 22 Billboard Top 10 songs, Good Shive Low's sound leans heavy on head bobbing drums, nasty brass, driving bass, and infectious piano melodies, featured most prominently in “Crazy,” “All I'm Asking,” “Imagine,” and “Leaving Here Tonight.” “Crazy” cohesively communicates the frenzied frustration at the end of one's rope, with nut grabbing horns, and straight-to-the point chorus that is relatable and genuine. In contrast, “All I'm Asking,” is a flirtatious exploration of sexual tension and pheromonal attraction, that incorporates the band's entire stable of strengths through a pop sound that will stick in your head like a bad decision at a biker bar. Not a typical sad song,“Imagine” deals with the love lost, but is bright and bouncy, sneaking the content in with a sly piano hook and brass bridge that would make Chicago proud. A Solid 4/4 Bass and drums are the heartbeat behind “Leaving Here Tonight,” a track balanced by understated keys and subtle guitar tones that soften the edges with horn highlights. An appropriate backdrop for lyrics that express the conflict of love, happiness, fear, and not knowing how to handle life's surprises. Speaking of surorises, Melophobaphobia is full of them. Good Shive Low enjoys dabbling in a variety of genres and styles with every song, allowing the horns to bind it all together. Every song is fresh, upbeat, and a little different than the last!
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