Sharkstation

		Sharkstation is the musical nom de plume of Simon Ainley, his were the lead vocals on Phil Manzanera's late 70s 'Listen Now' album, performing the same role in the Roxy Music guitarist's 801 touring band. In search of a new sound Simon then joined Random Hold a dark musical adventure that never quite fulfilled its potential despite a major recording deal with Polydor. The music was dramatic and exciting but internal politics loomed large and the band imploded under the strain, a disillusioned Simon promptly quit the music business. That was all a long time ago, now he has the day job that pays the mortgage and his own studio facilities. To keep the two sides of his life apart the music goes out as Sharkstation, the first release is Calling Cards, ten original compositions in the rock/alternative pop vein. It is basically a one man band set up, the only help comes in the shape of a guest bass player on a couple of tracks, and occasional backing vocals from family and friends.

Walk On (Ainley)		Not a song as such but 24 seconds of seaside sounds recorded on Brighton Beach, it reminds me of the opening sequence to The Who's Quadraphenia album, I half expect Moon, Townshend and Entwhistle to come crashing in!
Best Kind of Party (Ainley)		Quirky with some nice guitar, a light hearted look at the scene in the morning after one of those parties where you can't quite remember what you did the night before, and hope that it wasn't too embarrassing. A touch of Supergrass in here somewhere plus strange references to Camembert cheese.
Shark Station (Ainley/Burne)		Something of a play on words based around a children's teaching device called 'Thrassword' that seeks to teach kids that the same phonetic sound can be made several different ways, it says here. Anyway it's been somehow turned into a strange little Britpop number with a tongue twisting rap in the middle section courtesy of Simon's daughter.
Go On (Ainley)		Things get a bit more serious now, the lyric charts the descent into some kind of breakdown after a failed relationship. Sinister chords and harmonies between the more frenetic verses, I can't feel you, I can't hear you. Uneasy listening.
Wheels (Ainley/Burne)		Puts me in mind of City of Light from Phil Manzanera's Listen Now album, a song originally sung by Simon Ainley. Crashing chords and sinister walking bass, lots of imagery, endless car journeys as a metaphor for the daily grind. The final coda of distorted guitar is particularly effective.
Same Moon (Ainley)		Musically sounds rather like latter day Pink Floyd, a bit hippyish in the lyric department, 'We all share the same Moon.' Some nice rhythm guitar and bass bits.
Live Your Dream (Ainley/Burne) You are Golden (Ainley/Burne)		Uplifting would be a good word to describe these two songs, both co written with Simon Burne, I'll discuss them in tandem as lyrically they have similar themes. To summarise, anything is possible, everybody is valued, we all have potential that should be encouraged, everybody is good at something, live your dream, inside we are all golden. Sounds like a good philosophy to me. Musically, Live Your Dream is the lighter of the two, shimmering guitar, lovely melody, it does sag slightly halfway where a middle eight might have been but recovers well with a strong final verse. You Are Golden is one of my favourites on the album, a tougher more rhythmic sound and a vocal performance with loads of feeling. Guest bass player Walther Goethals adds extra colour and drive.
Oxford (Ainley)		A bit shouty vocally and rather minimalist lyrically. For lovers of noise and distortion its main attraction is the jagged guitar work out that suddenly explodes from the speakers half way through.
Two Sides (Ainley)		Medium paced rock song with heavily treated guitar riffs and the best drum sound on the album, sounds great in the car.
Beaches (Ainley)		Very much the odd one out, more seaside noises recorded in the vicinity of Brighton Pier overlaid by a weird and rather eerie instrumental played on a borrowed keyboard. What does it all mean? I haven't a clue.

There is no doubt Simon Ainley is a talented songwriter, his partnership with Simon Burne looks a particularly fruitful area, evidently they have 'boot loads' of material lying around. Guitar and vocals maintain a high standard throughout, quite outstanding in places. Perhaps the only weak link in the production is the drum machine, a crisper more authoritative sound could certainly enhance the overall picture without detracting from the songs. As a concept the album sometimes struggles to decide if it wants to be a proper album, at 35 minutes it's a bit short, or a showcase for the diverse talents of musician and songwriters. I know Simon hopes other artists might be interested in recording his songs, I for one believe they deserve wider exposure.