Nick Weaver
Nick Weaver
Last year, Sheer Mag’s second EP, “II,” topped many of the daytime DJ’s best of 2015 lists at WKNC. This year, their third EP, “III,” arrives with a total lack of fanfare.
Originating from Philadelphia, Sheer Mag is a lo-fi rock group that specializes in emulating classic ‘80s riff-driven blues-rock, with a modern spin. A heavy layer of distortion is applied to almost everything the band does, with clean vocals and guitar being completely out of the picture. The gritty charm of Sheer Mag’s “I” and “II” is in their strict adherence to the noise-rock lo-fi style. These EPs stood out from the parade of other bands doing similar things stylistically. By utilizing a standard setup and focusing primarily on song structure and lyrics, Sheer Mag created their signature sound without sacrificing variety.
In comparison to these EPs, “III” is fairly mediocre. It’s neither bad nor good — it’s simply average, or slightly below that. What it lacks is not consistency; “III” is abundantly consistent. In terms of variety, “III” is sorely lacking. As fate, or irony, would have it, what was once their strength has now become Sheer Mag’s failure. That pure, genuine lo-fi charm has worn thin. Much like taffy stretched beyond the point of substance, Sheer Mag has fallen back on their style as the only ingredient necessary to carry them through, and it has unfortunately backfired.
It’s not as though the minor charms and features of “I” and “II” are not present. In fact, they’re exactly the same. Those warm, catchy riffs of “I” and “II” that made the EPs that much sweeter have essentially been ripped apart and Frankenstein-ed back together to compose the guitar sections in “III.”
The clever and personal lyrics of “I” and “II” are not to be seen again, however. This EP still features subtle lyricism, but it lacks the same flair. On songs like “Can’t Stop Fighting” and “Nobody’s Baby,” that touch of wit is just barely noticeable. But then just as quickly as it’s spotted, it ducks back into its shell.
For much of the album, the vocals are much akin to an improvised garage rock song. They don’t quite seem to grip you, always sort of meandering off in some unexpected direction, failing to become anything shy of catchy. There are short sparks of interest here and there, dotted throughout the EP, but the songs always return to a plateau of mediocrity.
In its own right, “III” is not bad. It could be considered average, or perhaps even decent by itself. “Worth the Tears” is downright close to a lo-fi jam, but falls short during the verses. Meanwhile, “Nobody’s Baby” feels relatable, but vaguely distant. It is hard to describe exactly how close “III” is to being a good EP; it’s as if all of the elements are there, but refuse to activate.
To one who is not acquainted with Sheer Mag’s prior works, “III” might not seem such a poor album. But the pain of knowing how good it could have been is what pulls this EP so far down. The feeling isn’t there. “III” is a quick rush to fill radio silence with none of the passion or emotion behind it that made “I” and “II” great. It improves nothing at best, and takes several steps back in all honesty.
Fans of Sheer Mag may feel divisively about this EP due to how close it is to being good. Anyone considering experiencing Sheer Mag’s catalog should do so by skipping the bittersweet disappointment that is “III.”