Shaven Primates have recently released a three song EP, “Chasing the Dragon” delivering a thunderous and unapologetically bold sound. This release is gritty, raw, and undeniably in-your-face, capturing the spirit of the band’s dynamic energy. The record roars to life with “Airwaves“, a track that bursts forth with immense power and sets the tone for the entire EP. This song is a great showcase for Shaven Primates’s musical abilities and is a great introduction song for listeners. The band combines a hypnotic, anthem-like chorus with gang vocals layered in rich four-part harmonies. The melody is also quite catchy! These harmonies are beautifully complemented by distorted guitars that swirl and crash through the speakers with smooth yet commanding intensity. The raw, unfiltered vocals add a layer of authenticity, giving the record an organic and visceral feel that is missing in most popular music. When Rock the Pigeon caught up with the band to chat about their experience recording the EP, they eagerly shared insights about their favorite track to bring to life:
“In terms of recording vocally and production wise, our favourite Airwaves, which we felt like we laboured over too much, but it was worthwhile doing the process. The biggest thing we accomplished was pretty much completely avoiding autotune in order to make it sound authentic, and also accomplishing the same big sounding real 4 part harmony while we did that. It isn’t perfect, but we enjoyed the process.
” – Shaven Primates
What an incredible feat, not only a testament to their exceptional talent as musicians, but also a shining example of their relentless dedication and commitment to perfecting their sound. The record transitions seamlessly into “Babooshka”, offering listeners a fresh and distinctive sonic palette. This track takes a more restrained approach, featuring a laid-back arrangement that highlights clean, resonant guitars paired with gritty, growling vocals. The raw and emotional delivery of the vocals infuses the song with a striking intensity and authenticity, making every lyric feel deeply personal. The verses maintain a subdued and introspective tone, creating a sense of anticipation, while the choruses erupt with heightened energy. Here, the vocal melodies soar with power, complemented by the subtle yet impactful presence of distorted electric guitars riffing in the background. The contrast between the mellow verses and the dynamic choruses makes “Babooshka” an unforgettable addition to the EP.
The final track on the record, “I’ll Quit Tomorrow”, stands out as my personal favorite. This song exudes a raw, lo-fi charm, largely thanks to the distorted, grungy vocals that drip with intensity and emotion. Every note of the vocal delivery feels deeply personal, resonating with heartfelt vulnerability. As the song unfolds, it transforms into a metal-tinged anthem, exploding with intricate drum rhythms, a thunderous bassline, and an electrifying array of guitar riffs that demand attention. Lyrically, the track delves into a deeply personal subject, the band’s personal struggles with addiction. The lyric and title of the song “I’ll quit tomorrow” captures the heartache and cyclical nature of addiction, embodying the promises often made during moments of despair. This emotional weight makes “I’ll Quit Tomorrow” not just a standout track, but a deeply relatable and powerful piece of art.
When we asked the band which song held the most meaning for them and why, they shared:
“Right now, I’d say “I’ll Quit Tomorrow” matters most, as it’s easily the strongest song we’ve done to date in terms of what we are as a band, and ties in to our stories of addiction and hard times. It’s also a good representation of the many aspects of what we’ve learned about writing music as a band.” – Shaven Primates
Listen to Chasing the Dragon on Spotify, or wherever you stream music, now. It’s an excellent EP to get into the band’s unique sound.
Written by Ryan Cassata
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