Hailing from Kansas City, MO, Shiner may be mistaken as a new act by most, but this however is not the case as they have already released a string of EP's and albums since the mid 90's, establishing themselves a deeply loyal and rabid fanbase in the process. With that being said though, it is with perhaps an album such as this, that they just may be able to begin gaining more recognition from audiences outside of the usual avenues, if not due to the talented musicianship and challenging ideas which they present upon it, then by the fact of timing alone. Indeed, in a musical climate saturated by copycats and uninteresting drivel, Shiner stand as a beam of hope, music rife with true passion and feeling that stimulates and exercises the mind, rather than dumbing it down or selling it short like so much of the repetitive and uninspired myriad of trash that the public are subjected to on a daily basis. This is not to say that Shiner are the next big thing by any means, but what they create so well is music that is true to itself. Indulgent, thought provoking and awe inspiring, their work ultimately falls within the vein of such criminally under appreciated acts like Failure, Radiohead and HUM, combining post grunge styled riffs with honest heartfelt vocals, shimmering melodies and uniquely timed song structures, helplessly ensnaring the attention of any listener who craves a bit more from their music than the usual suspects in today's scene can provide.

Band frontman Allen Epley could probably best be summed up as the working mans Ken Andrews, fusing rich melodies with a slightly gruff tonal range and unloading them through interesting vocal structures that possess a mature, refined grace. The guitar work is top notch and flows beautifully from start to finish. Ranging all the way from jagged, lightly distorted riffs to delicate plucks and strums, the organic maelstrom of sound is inherently melodic, yet jarring all the same, lunging out from beneath with driving riffs only to succumb and drown in its own rhythmic, mathematical ambiance. The bass playing is a bit more loose on the other hand and warmly reverberates through the background, adding an array of detailed low end grooves that utilizes timing and restraint to the fullest, supporting the guitar only when necessary, increasing the uneasy fragility that the bands alliance of instruments effortlessly creates. As a result, the percussion is extremely talented and timed in innovative and unique fashions. Hit hard and intricately, band drummer Jason Gerken delivers a performance that is nothing short of astounding, utilizing his kit to the fullest through a series of cognitive yet chaotic kicks and thuds that allow the songs to achieve both lofty heights and earth shattering lows. The addition of some keyboards broadens the bands atmosphere infinitely and takes shape through haunting ambiance and the occasional more traditional styled playing, reinforcing the music with unexpected twists and an almost hypnotic depth.

Overall, perhaps this albums most closest comparison would be that of Failure's 1996 swan song, "Fantastic Planet". However, this is no mere borrowing from their legacy or trying to recreate such an effort. Instead, "The Egg", is more of a continuation and a realization of such ideas, utilizing them as a base to ascend from and develop into complex pieces of work, flush with much more edge, grit and expansive playing. The music featured here is self absorbed and takes many a risk, but somehow it still manages to avoid sounding pretentious or inherently avant garde. Its surprising, moving and above all, honest, something that is truly lacking in today's contemporary market. Admittedly, Shiner are not a band for everyone as the music displayed on this effort will undoubtedly sound dull or perhaps a bit too timid for to some. But for those who can enjoy an album that will take them on a voyage without the use of gimmicks, fancy studio tricks or incorporating whatever is popular at the current moment, "The Egg", is a rewarding listening experience that will sound as fresh it did the first time it was hatched. It's a sad realization that the lack of substance in the bulk of albums on the market today will leave them sitting dusty on the shelves of their owners in a year or two; But at least with albums of this caliber being released now, not everything one listens to today will be so quickly forgotten in the future.