With Secret Society, a new six song EP, the Sheila Divine have moved beyond their indie rock sound evidenced on their first two full lengths and are beginning to chart anthemic, stadium territory. Don't think that's a bad thing, however. From this vantage, it means that they are writing and recording at a level far beyond a Boston-based club band. Richley textured arrangements wrapped around deeply carved first person narratives are signs that not only point to the Sheila Divine's skill and fire but to their burgeoning maturity and drive to be a great band.
They are getting there in spades. 'The Swan?exudes a dark, mystic quality with echoey guitar and singer/guitarist Aaron Perrino wailing 'You're the ghost that's faded and gone/You're everything that ever went wrong.?The same atmosphere typifies the broody “Calling All Lovers?complete with a scorching solo from guitarist Colin Decker. On both 'We All Have Problems?and 'Back the Cradle?the keys are rock and catharsis: the two up tempo tracks crackle and shine, but also find Perrino clearly relishing the release of anguish. With bassist Jim Gilbert and the addition of drummer Ryan Dolan, the rhythm section is thicker and punchier than ever before.
The potent closer, 'Black River?is reminiscent of prime Echo and the Bunnymen and finds Perrino resolving “These salad days have finally taken their toll.?That statement couldn't be further from the truth for the Sheila Divine, though. The whole package declares here is a band just now hitting their peak. Secret Society is their finest hour yet. Sheilas, take a bow.
