Shanghai Treason

Sonder

Self Released

Out on February 7

It’s impossible to get enough of Yorkshire’s finest Celtic folk punk purveyors Shanghai Treason. Their third album ‘Sonder’ hits the spot track after track. Opener ‘Bones’ is all the encouragement you need to start making the most of life. And if the lyrics don’t get you the trademark Shanghai Treason rustic rock, urging you to sing along with drinks aloft, will finish the job. There’s not a chorus on this record that won’t have you joyfully yelling along. ‘A Bullet With My Name On’? Get ye to the nearest pub at the speed of aforementioned bullet and get dancing and drinking with this song as yer soundtrack. ‘Ours for the Taking’ is a poignant listen about this self-built band of brothers. These banjo wielding boys are fire live, and ‘Sonder’ brings their show spirit from the stage and camaraderie from the pit to wherever you choose to listen to it. There’s bite to lots of these lyrics. Vocally ‘Trading Tyrants’ has a harsher edge and sounds slightly growled through gritted teeth. There’s a battle cry vibe to ‘Tame the Moorlands’. The energy and good times don’t stop in ‘Sonder’ – they continue. But pause to listen to the lyrics and another side of this addictive record is revealed. ‘Sonder’ will make you want to dance, drink, smile and think.