The Shys’ new album is titled You’ll Never Understand This Band The Way That I Do.  It alludes to the passion and unique connection that you have when you discover a band that has meaning for you.  You build up your own interpretations of the band and its songs, looking for clues and meanings that bridge the gap between an artistic work and your own life.

The title also no doubt references the band’s own severance from Sire, the label that released its first record.  Signing to a smaller label and taking complete control over its career, the band has released a sophomore record that is laden with passion and almost cinematic in tone and approach.  Whereas their first album, Astoria, had some obvious nods to British rock, this one is thoroughly American, a bluesy, soul-infused romp that wears its heart on its sleeve.

The record features absolutely huge choruses and hooks, all fashioned around a classic bar room blues sound.   The band is blessed with two very fine vocalists- primary lead singer Kyle Krone amazes with his passionate delivery and the other vocalist, Alex Kweskin, also has an incredibly soulful voice.  This band is not trying to create a new sound.   You’ve heard this kind of music before, but do they ever execute.  Definitely one of the finest releases this year.

We brought The Shys in for a Groupee Session in June (videos and audio below).   The energy and skill of the band was impressive as they tore through the songs.  It was also obvious, after talking with them, that they are excited about charting their own course.  Going back to the title of the new record again, this is a band whose passionate delivery will no doubt generate just as many passionate fans.

If a band like The White Stripes can find commercial success with retro, classic blues guitar rock, then I think there is hope for a band like The Shys, as well.