Record Review: The Shagbots

The Shagbots - We Were Born Tigers 2/5

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Calgary's The Shagbots may have missed the indie dance craze, but that doesn't mean this dance-punk outfit isn't worth some attention. We Were Born Tigers, has brief bursts of colourful synth beats, emotion and energy that feel urgent and create infectious music, but only briefly.

Lead singer, Davis de Souza's vocals recall a fuzzed-out Jason Stollsteimer, of The Von Bondies, a strong point for the band, too often drowned out by guitars, and keyboards or a chorus of chants, like the less than impressive "MTV." Much of We Were Born Tigers, loses traction with many songs dragged out, losing their immediate feeling and emotion.

The band's strength lies in short, immediate sounds, combined with the basic understanding of how to construct a dance-punk track. "Lost Time" and "Consequences" play to the boys' strengths and show promise, given their learn from their influences and stick to short, dance-ready punk tracks.