When Joe Gideon & the Shark unleashed their second album, 'Freakish', in 2013, it was like they took a giant musical blender, threw in a bunch of quirky sounds and compelling narratives, and pressed 'puree'. This brother-sister duo, Joe Gideon on guitar and vocals and Viva Seifert—yes, the Olympic gymnast—on drums and vocals, presented something unique and vibrant to the music scene. Based in London, where the vibrant mix of cultures and sounds can swirl into an eclectic symphony, Joe Gideon & the Shark’s 'Freakish' was a perfect reflection of this urban madness. But what makes 'Freakish' compelling and how does it speak to its listeners?
'Freakish' is one of those rare albums that effortlessly merges storytelling with distinctive instrumental prowess. Perhaps it's Joe's grounding storytelling style, infused with an incredible range of emotions, whether it’s despair or joy. Or maybe it's the intriguing way he captures vivid snapshots of life, telling tales that resonate in surprisingly deep ways. Meanwhile, Viva's background in gymnastics somehow translates into her solid, rhythmic drumming, bringing energy and power to each track. This combination is like a tightrope walk, perfectly balanced yet fearlessly daring.
This album speaks to many themes, but at its heart lies a reflection on what it means to navigate through life's outrageous twists and turns. The duo’s liberal approach to writing suits this theme perfectly. 'Freakish' isn’t trying to tell you what to think about every issue—it’s more about asking the questions, shining a light on the bizarre nature of existence. The tracks ebb and flow between calm introspection and explosive catharsis, mirroring the unpredictability of life itself.
A stand-out track, 'Anything You Love That Much, You Will See Again', resonates like an old proverb, drawing you into its lyrical landscape with promises and heartbreak, layered with instrumentation that leaves an imprint. Familiar chords mix with unexpected sounds to create a sense of longing, nostalgia, and future hope—sometimes all at once.
However, Freakish isn’t for everyone. Some might argue that its eclectic nature lacks cohesion or that its raw sound is rough around the edges. For listeners accustomed to more conventional musical structures, the album may come off as a chaotic blend of experimentation. But for those who embrace creative chaos or have a taste for exploration, 'Freakish' will likely strike a chord, inviting you to pause and appreciate its unpolished beauty.
Critics have both praised and questioned 'Freakish'. Some people love the way it challenges the norm and invites listeners into its slightly disordered universe. Others feel lost within its intricacies and complexities. But that's where the art lies—in its ability to stir something within you, whether it’s comfort or confusion. Embracing this type of art requires an openness to new experiences—a quality that Gen Z seems particularly equipped to appreciate.
Today, as our society continuously shifts and challenges previous norms, albums like 'Freakish' remain critically relevant. They remind us that it’s okay to be messy, to live uncertainly, and to create art that doesn’t fit neatly into boxes. The world is full of unexpected shifts, and art, much like life, doesn’t always need to provide clear answers.
For Joe Gideon & the Shark, 'Freakish' seems like an attempt to map the rich, multifaceted landscape of human experience. There’s both darkness and light here, a testament to life’s constant dualities. The musicians' liberal perspective is mirrored by their broad-mindedness and willingness to push boundaries, reflecting a universal human truth: our existence is nothing if not freakish, and perhaps that’s where its beauty lies.