A band like Shock Value packs adrenaline in a soda can 6-pack. The band from Sioux Falls, SD has brought some real gems in alt-rock since they’ve been formed. The 5-piece band released a handful of singles that have become popular in indie playlists. Their full-length album, When Lightening Strikes, is a testament to their dynamic, varied sound. Let’s dive right in. 

You don’t need a better crowd-puller than Rockstar. You can practically hear the crowd screaming for them when they enter the stage. Classic alt-rock elements follow, beautiful melodies, relaxed verse sections and an explosive chorus. It is the mark of a band that wants to conquer the genre on their own terms. You can see exactly why it became their most popular single. 

Crash Landing takes brings you another memorable verse section. It reminds you of a time that you probably would have experienced, just being thrown into something. Nick Bader showcases his energetic yet soulful way of putting the lyrics across. There is a belief system the band adheres to, and that is their love for music. Shock Value is the culmination of that very zeal that should drive a band to stardom. Songs like this definitely will. The lovely pop-punk length of each of these songs make it a swinging vine in a forest, to jump from one song to the next. 

The kind of rock you remember

It is riffs like Dirtbag that made me want to pick up a guitar. Smooth, simple and yet so memorable. Production styles are brilliant in Shock Value, it always seems like there was a total dial in on frequencies. This is a ballad converted into the battery pack that the band has a signature sound in. They show great promise and resolve in the way they compose music, straight from the heart, yet thought out to detail. Denham and Shock Value team up for Expensive. One of the catchiest chorus moments in any of their songs come in this track. It is a precursor of a sound Sum-41 and blink-182 made famous, that catchy hook and writing themselves into people’s childhoods and memories. A kind of band that becomes trademark of digging their own tunnel to the treasure. 

Paradise is a kicker right from the get go. Here come the flowers for rhythm guitarist Nick Roach, bassist Corey Gross and drummer Zach Dresch. The tempo and flow for the songs are tight, well-executed and you can practically hear the passion. Lead guitarist Matt Rice gives some beautiful solos, peppering the song with that flourish you’ll sing along to. Til’ I Figure It Out is a gut-punch of nostalgia and erratic energy. There is something about this band enjoying every song that makes this album so special. Worth the wait and effort they have put in, to execute something so collectively special to them. 

This album would be perfect in movies like Out Cold (2001) and Bring It On (2000). It has incredible 00s music energy, and they have a unique fingerprint to showcase now. Shock Value have successfully captured lightning in a bottle for their debut album. Listen to their music using any of the links above and make sure you follow them!