Shrug Goes Whole Hog
Not many bands could pull this off. Local favorites Shrug put on a CD release party at Canal Street Tavern this past Saturday. Not only did they perform their new album "Whole Hog for the Macho Jesus" in its entirety, they also played a classic Beatles album from start to finish. Sprinkled in between were some of their older songs such as "Jenny" (which was featured on the first "Dayton After Dark" compilation) and they even threw in a cover of R.E.M.'s "The One I Love."
The packed house at CST welcomed the new album, which was a follow-up to last year's self-titled disc. "Whole Hog for the Macho Jesus" features eight tracks that the band has been perfecting in their live show over the past few months. All of the tracks are alt-pop gems, including standouts such as "Wake Up, Sugarplum," "Laugher Tax," and "Age Nowhere." The record was produced by Patrick Himes of Team Evil Records. Team Evil is also responsible for great albums from Captain of Industry and other local bands, and is turning into a musical powerhouse.
Shrug has retained their classic sound over the years, but has developed into a stronger songwriting machine. Leader and vocalist Tod Weidner has described the new album as being about "the loss of love, and the love of loss." Band members Dan Stahl, Bryan Lakatos, and Eric Cassidy help shape Shrug's signature sound. The closest comparison one could make might be to 90's band Soul Asylum, but Shrug's influences range from David Bowie to Jeff Buckley to Green Day and their live shows always hit the mark.
Opening band Gooding also put on a blistering set to warm up the crowd. This touring act has played Dayton many times and put up a sizable following. Their final song featured the singer/guitarist playing two guitars at once, which was a sight to see.
The new Shrug album "Whole Hog for the Macho Jesus" is available at www.Shrug.com and at Gem City Records. They have upcoming shows scheduled in Cincinnati and Detroit, but it won't be long before they return to rock Dayton whole hog again.
Keith Klein
daytonbands.com