Detroit Illharmonic Symphony – Everything is Shattered
Everything Is Shattered is an album that features significant personalities from Southern California punk history, such as Jack Grisham (TSOL) and Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag), and is released by California’s famed Geza X Records. The album feels like an integration of punk roots, innovation, and underground attitude, all considered through a particularly nostalgic but humorous perspective. The opening tune and title song, “Everything Is Shattered,” includes Jack Grisham on vocals and future underground standout Max Galbreath (ttwopercentmilk). Paul Roessler (The Screamers, Nina Hagen, 45 Grave) produced and recorded the track at Kitten Robot Studios, and it has a classic punk and garage rock vibe typical of The Cramps and The Stooges. Groovy guitars push the song forward while the vocal duet achieves an exciting balance between primal garage rock energy and an alternative rock attitude, setting the basis for the album’s extensive tour. Keith Morris takes over the vocals on “If You Cooperate,” accompanied by Cecilia Suhr on violin. The outcome is a psychedelic, dreamy song built on post-punk roots but with a strong dream-pop aesthetic in its arrangement and production. Heavy reverb and a warm, old-school mix give the music a nostalgic look, with elements of Hawkwind’s more experimental side from the 1980s. It’s an unexpected and fascinating change that shows the album’s willingness to push outside traditional punk limitations. “Welcome to Fear City” combines surprising hip-hop and jazz elements, resulting in a dreamy, groove-heavy atmosphere. The violin provides a melodic, almost melancholic nostalgia while garage rock guitar riffs fade in and out of the mix. As an instrumental track, it leans towards a dub-like style, with rhythm and tone taking centre stage. “I Can Give You More” follows with an oldies-inspired production approach, classic rock riffs, and a specifically lo-fi, demo-like mix that feels like a hidden gem from another time. The dub-inflected mood recalls elements of The Clash, emphasising the album’s multi-genre approach. The rest of the album follows this nostalgic journey, ranging from 1960s pop influences on “Ruby’s Song” to psychedelic glam punk on “Who Loves You.” Overall, Everything Is Shattered sounds like it could have been recorded in the 1980s: raw, underground, and filthy nevertheless full of unexpected pop melodies hidden beneath a rough, almost punk-only mix. It’s an album that respects punk’s history while breaking its rules, resulting in a dynamic and colourful listening experience.
Detroit Illharmonic Symphony photo by DIS
http://www.detroitillharmonic.org/
