The Shivers are a duo, based out of Queens, New York, comprising the exceptional talents of Keith Zarriello (lead vocals, guitar) and Jo Schornikow (vocals, keys/organ). Their latest release titled ‘More‘ is their first UK release despite having six albums to their name. But we won’t hold that against them as the album will be released through Fence Records based in Anstruther, Scotland and home to the fabulous Fence Collective (King Creosote, Pictish Trail, James Yorkston…).
The duo visited the UK back in 2010 with their drummer friend Tom Raysmith, and recorded straight to tape at Manchester’s Analogue Catalogue, the same studio used for Jeffrey Lewis’ latest release. The album was then taken back over the Atlantic, mixed by Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Yo La Tengo), and mastered to tape by Joe Lambert (Dirty Projectors, Animal Collective, Deerhunter) – the band proudly declaring on the sleeve notes “no computers were used in the recording, mixing or mastering of this record”.
To maintain this non-digital feel and ethic, Fence have pressed the album on vinyl LP (ensuring that every copy comes with a CD, incase you don’t have a turntable!).
Although recorded in Manchester, MORE is very much rooted in New York City – Keith’s delivery steeped in the spirit of classic songwriters from his hometown and the surrounding scene, spread over the last 5 decades. From the Springsteen-sway of ‘Irrational Love’, and The Strokes-fuelled punch of ‘Used To Be’, to the biting Cohen-esque balladry of ‘Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars’, and the Dylan-soaked drawl of ‘More’; an emotional integrity and personality is preserved, infused with a reverence that never once strays into pastiche.
Tracks
Irrational Love
Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars
More
Video
More is officially released on Monday, September 26th 2011. It’s available to pre-order at a special price so get in there quick.