Reviewed by Alex Figgis

With their debut release for Tooth & Nail, Shorthanded bring to bear a total of 30 years' worth of musical experience. As a result, 'Forever Yours' boasts a high standard of musicianship, where often times quirky arrangements add a compelling dimension to The band's peculiar brand of rock music. More often than not, Shorthanded seamlessly deliver complex rhythms and obscure chord progressions (such as in "Fail You") to blistering effect. Jason Zeh (bass), Andy Wiseman (guitar/vocals) and drummer Adam D'Albero have a keen sense of melody, which adds weight to the overall impact 'Forever Yours' has on the listener. But before you pass off Shorthanded as being yet another purveyor of the pop punk rock genre, there is enough variety within their debut album that sets them apart from their contemporaries. At times reminiscent of Rush's Alex Lifeson, Wiseman's phrasing admirably fails to be predictable (as in "Agony & Ecstasy"), adding to the overall appeal of the band. With 'Forever Yours', Shorthanded look set to create some permanent waves of their own.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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