Adelaide trio Surviving Sharks are a tight, high-energy rock outfit who are great to experience live. Their new three-track EP, Traversing Time provides a taste of their intensity as a live act in a polished package with high production values.

Comprised of brothers Drew Kemp (guitar) and Sean Kemp (drums), and Josh Biggs (bass), the three members share vocal duties. This allows for vocal layering and some neat harmonies over the band’s riff-laden tracks, reminiscent of 90s grunge and The Living End.

Coming in at under three minutes, the opening song, “Crystal Ball” is fast paced and appealing. “Fire” brings the tempo down a notch, providing riff interplay between the guitar and bass. With its acerbic chorus of “You desecrate what you can’t control”, the final track, “Have A Go” is a penetrating number, structured around a driving bass line and layered vocals.

The EP is a welcome taste of this talented trio who are proud to wear their grunge-guitar hearts on their sleeves. It’s energetic, catchy and never outstays its welcome. Put it on loud.

Traversing Time is produced by Matthew Hills at Hillside Studios, Adelaide and is available from the Surviving Sharks’ website

Check out the video for “Fire”.

Reviewed by Matthew Trainor

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