Typhoid Mary deserves to be the band that you discover in 2007.  Their debut EP Take Shelter combines the best of pop-punk/rock youth delivered in contagious, DIY-ethic doses. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia this unsigned band has all the talent of your run-of-the-mill Epitaph or Triple Crown band, yet boasts twice the memorability factor. Produced by Zack Odom & Kenneth Mount (Cartel, All Time Low, The Fold), Take Shelter is clearly a product of these famed producers as Typhoid Mary sounds eerily like pop-rock heroes Cartel with enough of the right guitar licks and vocal harmonies to make them more reputable than a throwaway sound-alike.

Not quite original, but admittedly catchy and polished, Take Shelter manages to engage from beginning to end. Opener Dear Deceitful starts with a howling siren and subliminal warnings before launching into a energetic and punchy rock anthem.  Clearly these boys know the importance of a good guitar riff because if there are any expectations for Take Shelter, then the standout riff is it. Last Line of Defense is particularly clever around 1:24 when vocalist Mike Cato sings 'you know the phone works both ways' and an automated voice recording cuts in as a well timed addition to the music. Speaking of Mike Cato, this guy has a great voice. It’s no Stephan Christian, but it’s clear and measured and does considerable justice on tracks like Take Shelter and So Sorry where the guitars take a backseat and the vocals steal the limelight.

All the tracks on Take Shelter are relatively high energy and upbeat. I’d like to see what Typhoid Mary can do on a down tempo tune because, really, that’s where the true test of a band’s talent lays. And honestly, I don’t think these guys give themselves enough credit because I think they’d do an awesome job on a ballad despite coming off as the type of band that knows its bread and butter is in the high energy hitter. On the downside, because Typhoid Mary are almost too practiced in their song writing style, many of the songs are interchangeable. However, this is to be expected from a band’s first effort, especially from one that is still unsigned.  Hey labels get it together and sign these guys!
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If all of the releases of 2007 are as good as Typhoid Mary Debut EP Take Shelter then 2007 will be an amazing year for music. This band has huge things ahead of them and Take Shelter is just the first step. This is the band to keep an eye and ear on this year. 

The ep opens with two songs, Dear Deceitful and Last Line Of Defense, both of which are mellower in the verses but have soaring hard-rock choruses. These two songs also seem to be fan favorites from the EP. 

The next song is my personal favorite: Filthy Habut. The song starts off slow but continually builds the whole time adding instruments and backing vocals gradually. Around minute three you realize that the song has captured you with its engulfing melody. The song then begins to gently let you down with its off into the night. is this true love thats killing... (You’ll understand when you hear it). The song LeavingI is easily one of the more radio friendly tracks the ep has to offer. The melody and hook begin the moment & vocals start and the song just takes off from there. 

The vocals on this ep are what make it stand out and shine like it does. Causal, strong, laid back vocals reminiscent to those of Cartel (Will) yet with distinct originality. The ep has the powerful guitars and drums that it needs to propel the songs like it does. Yet there are just as many ambient sounds on the ep that give you the intimate feel that a lot of records leave out. 

Go buy this ep, bring it home, or listen to it on the car ride home. Please forget what I’ve said in this review though. Neither the band nor the ep need my hype, let this ep prove its self to you, because it will. 

~ Jesse
February 03 2007
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