On their 2015 debut album ‘Uneasy’, California indie band Sheer crafted a hidden gem. It was a striking record filled with introspective sadness and awkward charm, yet failed to gain them the larger audience they rightfully deserved. It didn’t help matters that they got lost among the ever-growing trend of shoegaze bands, despite offering so much more than many of those that garnered widespread attention.
Two years removed from ‘Uneasy’ as well as a line up change, Sheer are back with ‘Psychic Quarry’, which shows them makes tremendous strides as songwriters and as people. Far more outwardly personal in its lyrical delivery, and a rejuvenated sound, ‘Psychic Quarry’ feels as natural as it does necessary for Sheer. The songs are more refined, the clarity of production more vibrant, and it is filled with love and hope.
Whether addressing the vulnerability of intimacy on ‘Room’, or giving a voice to the marginalised with ‘To Love and Feel Alive’, vocalist Gina Almaguer appears more confident vocally. Pushed to the forefront, with emphasis on sweet harmonies and poignant story telling, her voice glides across the slick reverb-rock of each track. Reserved when sullen; powerful when passionate.
Musically, Sheer have stepped out of shadow of shoegaze, zoning in on a more straightforward arrangement. The “less is more” approach works in their favour. They do still have a penchant for effects pedals with ethereal delay wrapping itself around ‘Enfold Me’, and warm fuzz bringing ‘Euphony’ to a dissonant end. What it does expose, though, is that Sheer can really play and have grown massively as musicians. Anyone can crank up the noise and label it ‘art’, but in the case of Sheer, talent will out.
If ‘Uneasy’ was the sound of Sheer finding their musical feet, then ‘Psychic Quarry’ is the bridge to something even bigger. When you reach the end of the six tracks, you long for more, which isn’t something many releases can lay claim to. Sheer now show signs of greatness, with the feeling that they are just getting started.
GLEN BUSHELL