Sharkswimmer - "A Universal Blank"
Brooklyn’s Sharkswimmer just announced that the follow up to their great 2019 EP, Stolen Goods, is set for release just in time for the holidays. The three-song EP, which is entitled A Universal Blank, drops on December 18th and we’re super excited to premiere the title track today on Look At My Records!
Sharkswimmer’s bread and butter is a style of fast-paced, emotional punk rock that definitely elicits a reaction from the listener. You can absolutely feel what they’re enduring through the intensity of their lyrics, their thrashing guitars, and the furious rhythms that run through their songs. “A Universal Blank” is probably their rawest example of this to date, as it’s a high energy ripper with heart on your sleeve lyrics that are delivered with intense fervor.
The song starts out with some ominous, semi-indecipherable noise that’s quickly obliterated by a barrage of jagged guitars before frontman Justin Buschardt’s searing vocals bleed into the foreground. His vocal delivery adds to the song’s fiery character, mainly because he pushes it to the limit, wavering between a melodic snarl and a more full-throated growl that conveys the frustration present in the lyrics. Though the words sound and feel almost tongue and cheek, they belie a feeling of pain, acutely describing how sometimes you’re forced to grin and bear it even when the world is collapsing around you. The lively choruses really bolster this narrative with some added harmonies and shouted background vocals that share space with propulsive cymbal crashes and crushing saw-toothed guitars. The track is definitely a ride, so buckle up.
Stream it below!
Check out their music on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
Photo by Michelle Lobianco
