The Sheds

The Sheds have no problem embodying SoCal life in their music; with such an energetic and cohesive mix of punk and ska, it's not hard to get a bit of sunshine in your day, even if you're enduring the tail end of a Canadian winter. Of the five fast-paced tracks, "Slash & Burn" is the smoothest; it's completely skate-worthy and absolutely dripping with catchiness. The band have a knack for creating songs that embody a "I don't give a fuck," attitude, but with a smile. They do bare their teeth a little on Self/Doubt. "Counting Sheep" is for all intents and purposes melodic hardcore, though the ska breaks remind the listener where the Sheds' hearts are: feel-good summertime jams, without the cheese or blatant pop that plague many bands sitting in this corner. Consider me refreshed.