Project Description
.
SCARED OF SHARKS
‘Double Happiness’
EP Review
(23rd December, 2024)
Review by – Audrey Songvilay
.
.
Listening to Double Happiness feels like stepping into a dimly lit dive bar where the beer is cheap, the amps are loud, and the energy feels like something wild is about to happen. Picture this: a punk rock ’n’ roll band called Scared of Sharks tearing it up in the corner, exuding cool charm and having the time of their lives. Fresh off the stage and onto your playlist is their debut EP, a gritty, unapologetic burst of energy that captures the raw, electric vibe of their sound. Packed with humour and attitude, let’s dive into these six tracks and find out what all the noise is about.
Stumble
“Stumble” kicks off Double Happiness with an energy that feels reckless. The track opens with a quirky, static-laden radio announcement before the drums crash in, unrelenting and chaotic. The vocals come through the verses with a charm that narrates the universal experience of fumbling through life’s missteps. It’s raw, relatable, and it’ll connect with a young audience. The guitars strike a perfect balance between grit and groove, giving the song a groovy edge that echoes classic punk anthems. As the chorus erupts, it’s completely exhilarating. “Stumble” feels less like a shared inside joke between the band. It’s the kind of opener that feels nostalgic, but at the same time quite refreshing.
Made of Snow
This one’s a curveball. “Made of Snow” slows things down without losing the intensity. It’s all post-hardcore vibes and introspection, with lyrics pulling at the heartstrings. The baseline grounds the track while the guitar riffs continue to build. It’s angsty and the kind of song you play during an existential crisis. We’ll hand it to you, Scared of Sharks – you’ve got depth. Listen to this one at night or on a drive and you’ll feel its full effect.
Last Train to Wyong
Ah, the standout single—and for good reason. Inspired by drummer Tim Shady’s legendary misadventure, “Last Train to Wyong” is pure storytelling gold. Shady got “too cooked at a rave in Sydney and lost his keys, phone, and wallet.”
Did you get these items back?
The songs’ post-punk sound and comedic lyrical brilliance collide, especially in the second verse’s nod to the “Democracy Manifest Bloke.” The guitar riffs mimic the rhythm of a train chugging north (the wrong direction, naturally), while the chorus is an anthem for the chronically lost. It’s impossible not to laugh, dance, and yell along with this track, and it’s easy to see why it’s a crowd favourite.
Cauliflower
A wildcard if there ever was one, “Cauliflower” is the EP’s folk-leaning track, complete with acoustic strums and introspective lyrics. It’s delicate yet biting, like Taylor Schwifty decided to crash an open mic night. The vocals take centre stage, raw and emotive, while the minimal instrumentation lets the storytelling shine. It’s an unexpected but welcome break from the chaos, proving that Scared of Sharks aren’t afraid to show their softer side, even if they’re still flipping you off while doing it.
Is Water Wet?
Great question. Is water actually wet, or does it just make you wet? The internet couldn’t figure it out, and honestly, neither can I.
Welcome to the existential crisis part of the EP.
“Is Water Wet?” feels like a similar question to “What is life?”
This song is a fever dream, with angular guitar riffs and an off-kilter rhythm. The lyrics are absurd, philosophical, and hilarious all at once, delivered with the conviction of someone who’s been awake for 48 hours and just discovered Wikipedia. It’s chaotic, it’s brilliant, and it’s exactly the kind of track you’d expect from a band that thrives on unpredictability.
Double Happiness
Closing out the EP is the title track, a fiery punk rock anthem that ties everything together. It’s the culmination of the band’s journey so far, blending humour, grit, and heart into one explosive finale. The drumming is frenetic, the bass-line grooves, and the guitars scream rebellion. Shoutout to the lyrics in this song because it’s equal parts poetic and irreverent. By the end of it, I’m not sure whether to cheer or start a mosh pit.
Final Thoughts
Double Happiness is everything you could want from a debut EP: raw, unpolished, and it’s got potential. Scared of Sharks deliver a collection of tracks that are as unpredictable as they are unforgettable. Whether they’re making you laugh, or dance, this punk rock’n’roll band is alive and well. If this is just the beginning, we can’t wait to see what they stumble into next.
.
.
About the Band:
Scared of Sharks are a Punk rock’n’roll band formed in 2016 By Brothers Taylor Schwifty & Jack Malolakis. Spending Their first year as a group based in their hometown of Mogareeka and playing shows around their local area. Lacking a strong local music scene down the far south coast they moved to the Illawarra in 2017 for the opportunity of more gigs and a stronger music scene.
After releasing their first song “Beach Wog” in 2021, the band faced a transition when Jack departed for European adventures in late 2022. Undeterred, Taylor enlisted the talents of Tim Shady on drums and Louis Crouton on bass, forming a powerhouse trio that took their music to new heights. They embarked on independent tours, from the Port Kembla Festival to Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar, leaving a trail of exhilarated fans in their wake. Now gearing up to release their debut EP at the end of 2024. Scared of Sharks show no signs of slowing down.
.
.
Follow SCARED OF SHARKS
Bandcamp – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify
.
.
Press Release 16th December 2024 (below) HERE
SCARED OF SHARKS
release their debut EP
DOUBLE HAPPINESS
.
.