Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Canadian classic rock revivalists, The Sheepdogs, have dropped their seventh studio album, Outta Sight, today via Warner Music Canada. Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the band – composed of Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, Sam Corbett, Jimmy Bowskill, and Shamus Currie – hone into their deep, utmost need for making music together and the simple joy they get from it. After a long period of being unable to tour, the least they could do was turn to each other and simply jam. What resulted, is their first studio LP since 2018’s Changing Colours and features 11 retro-inspired tracks that will aptly soundtrack countless summer adventures. In typical Sheepdogs fashion, each cut is equally as groovy, rhythmic, and fun, showcasing each member’s talent and 70s-encapsulated spirit.
The first single off the album, “Find The Truth”, is a breezy rock anthem, full of Allman Brothers-style twin guitars and southern rock flair. On the track, the band explains, “We did what we know how to do best, we got together and played together…. when we felt like a song was in good place, we recorded it. Simple as that. All playing together, looking at each other and playing off each other. We didn’t set out to make a record, but what came of it was Outta Sight.”
Going back to their roots, the true blues-rock nature of the band and their passion for riffing and jamming together oozes out in each and every track. Cuts like “Here I Am,” “I Wanna Know You,” and “Waiting For Your Call” contain such a precise and masterful musicianship, while jubilantly exercising a youthfulness that feels infectious. There is a palpable joy in each drum beat, wail of electric guitar, and horn section that leaves you head-nodding and foot-stomping along. It’s impossible not to draw comparison to the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Feat, J.J. Cale or other acts from the heyday of southern rock. The Sheepdogs culminate a sound of the past while infusing a modern edge into each note.
The album’s simple production is tied together with euphonious harmonies and smoldering inflection. Tracks “Goddamn Money,” “So Far Gone,” and “Scarborough Street Fight” contain such a rhythmic groove and harmonic disposition, if you close your eyes and let the music absorb you, you are easily transported five decades prior. The album’s closer, “Roughrider ‘89” is a dynamic and energetic jam-band inspired track that practically demands to be played in the car at full blast with windows down.
From track one to eleven, Outta Sight is rich with classic rock, blues rock, boogie and southern style influences, all combining into the perfect post-pandemic rock album. By the album’s conclusion, it’s clear that The Sheepdogs are anything but complacent and will forever be on the quest for what makes them feel good. For lovers of retro stadium rock anthems, The Sheepdogs offer up a fresh spin on what older generations grew up on. Outta Sight is available now.
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