Shaven Primates are a five-piece dark-wave / art-rock proto/post-punk band from Oxford in the UK. Influenced by the likes of The Velvet Underground, Kate Bush, Tool, Prodigy, Yes, The Clash, Bowie, Porcupine and Pink Floyd, the band aim to push the boundaries with the music they make.

Birds Aren’t Real is their latest album, released on 28/07/2023 and consists of three songs written about the madness spread across the world in war, propaganda, lies, slander, hate, denial and conspiracy and alone with two more on a perspective on the suicide of someone close and growing up in a school with a mind that isn’t compatible.

This really is an album that takes the listener on a journey through a variety of genres, never once settling on just one, the result being that there is something for everyone in this album, and the listener is never really sure where they are being taken to next.

With wailing guitars that erupt into heavy riffs, this album certainly falls into the rock genre in one way or another and the thundering, drums and meaty basslines really add to this feel. The synths that burst through change from retro to modern and the use of other instruments really adds to the depth of the songs.

The vocals on this album range from clean singing to screams and this changes at the drop of a hat. The singer’s voice is strong and powerful and suits any style of vocals that is required of him. But as well as power and strength his voice is also packed full of emotion and passion, making the songs quite raw at times.

There is a great change of pace between tracks in this album, ranging from slower, almost jazz-infused tracks like A Decision to the punk-like title track Birds Aren’t Real and this shows the great diversity and talent of the band.

Being quite progressive in nature, this album really does have a lot to offer, and it takes more than one listen through to hear it all. Wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves, this band are not afraid to not only cross the boundaries between genres but to giant leapfrog and create a sound, not only unique to them, but one that is nostalgic to different time frames while maintaining a modern fresh feel at the same time.

I have had this album sitting waiting to be reviewed for a while now and I am so glad the day has finally come! This is a great release that more people need to hear so please check Shaven Primates out and see what you think for yourself!

Awesome job!

Track Listing
1) Fade Away
2) A Decision
3) Silicon Implants
4) Unmasked
5) Birds Aren’t Real

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum