We Were Sharks’ flippancy is a breath of fresh air in the face of a pop punk scene that’s
very self-serious (and seriously lacking self). While many of their peers wax poetic
about wearing their hearts on their sleeves, this Ottawa band wears their wit in their
moniker; they literally were a band called Sharks until legalities threatened to stop the
party.
But the party didn’t stop, as the band cheekily updated their name and carried on, and it
continues on sophomore LP New Low. Irreverence inspires the lyrics, more a means to
an end than some meaningful and profound proclamation that would position We Were
Sharks as pop punk philosophers.
By swinging to both sides of pop punk, both the pop and rock edges, the band
expanded their sound while shrinking from three guitars to two. It’s the kind of
thing that will make the van a little roomier when touring returns. Similar to their sonic
gains made since the release of Lost Touch, We Were Sharks were growing their draw
with their first proper US experiences. That included a slot at punk rock mainstay The
Fest and tours alongside fellow pop punk satellite acts like A Wilhelm Scream, Such
Gold, Youth Fountain, Assuming We Survive, Boys of Fall.
Not like the added space would be a huge worry. With an album like New Low, We
Were Sharks are ready to reach a new high — and that could include a Bandwagon, or
even bus. The only thing holding them back is the reality of the world they’re rearing to
take over.
New Low is out now. For more information, please visit http://www.weweresharks.com/.
