The Sheila Divine -- Secret Society

6/10

Secret Society is it for The Sheila Divine. A 2002 EP that sees them further exploring darker, more emotional music with more complex two-guitar interplay. The production is better than that found on any of their previous work, with the bass and drums finding a bit more space and separation. The songs are downers, with vocalist Adam Perrino musing "I worry too much about my life.../I feel invisible most of the time," and begging in the final song "Can you save this sinking ship?" in his best Ian McCulloch bellow. The answer was no, as the band broke up on stage the following year. Thankfully, this final statement isn't all dour dramatics, as the band find a couple of opportunities for quick jams, lending room to Perrino's...outside voice.

Oh, and just kidding on that sinking ship not being saved. The band actually got back together around 2012, and has been consistently releasing music to bandcamp since then. Perrino doesn't have quite as many bees pouring from his throat, but the band has the same sensibilities. Bands shouldn't say they are breaking up unless more than half the members die. This is just getting silly.

2002 Arena Rock
1. The Swan 4:33
2. We All Have Problems 3:38
3. Dramatica 3:45
4. Back to the Cradle 2:57
5. Calling All Lovers 4:33
6. Black River 5:00