theSHIFT, ‘Kobra’ – Exclusive Song Premiere

You may not recognize the name theSHIFT yet, but you may have heard the members playing with other well-known acts. The band consists of musicians who have recorded and toured with a number of notable performers. The band is now ready to rock with their 7th Direction album (due April 14) and they've teamed with Loudwire to exclusively bring you the new song "Kobra."

The song (listen below) features some driving guitar from frontman John Shannon, nimble drumming from MJ Lambert and a forceful bass line from Ben Geis. Shannon tells Loudwire, "For us, 'Kobra' is a big part of what theSHIFT represents, reality-questioning lyrics backed up by high octane music. When we were working on ‘Kobra’, we felt that three guitar solo sections would be appropriate to back up each verse/chorus of lyrics written to challenge reality in general anyways. I mean, why should there be just one guitar solo? If it helps to serve the high energy of the song, then let’s do it! We each wrote what we played musically to serve the purpose of making the song cosmic and somewhat confrontational."

The band recorded the disc at Brooklyn's Mission Sound and Manhattan's JRock Studios and co-produced the effort with Jamie Siegal. And though they remain in demand for session work, the group is set on carving their own path. "When you just play a song perfectly from start to finish there’s no danger there,” says Shannon. "When you choose to open it up in a way that’s in touch with the moment and the audience, then you can get into some real danger, real transcendence.”

Look for theSHIFT out on the road well into the spring. Their tour dates can be found below the song. Pick up 7th Direction on April 14 and keep up with all the band's activities at their website.

theShift, 'Kobra'

theSHIFT 2015 Tour Dates

02/13 – Penuche’s – Manchester, N.H.
02/14 – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, N.Y.
02/27 – Bourbon and Branch – Philadelphia, Pa.
02/28 – Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) – New York, N.Y.
03/04 – Legendary Dobbs – Philadelphia, Pa.
03/05 – Ruddy Duck – Dowell, Md.
03/07 – Crown Station – Charlotte, N.C.
03/08 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, N.C.
03/11 – Smoke and Barrel – Fayetteville, Ark.
03/12 – Shipping and Receiving – Fort Worth, Texas
03/13 – Super Happy Funland – Houston, Texas
03/14 – Trailer Space Records – Austin, Texas
03/15 – Spinners – Austin, Texas
03/17 – Rogue Bar – Phoenix, Ariz.
03/18 – Marble Brewery – Albuquerque, N.M.
03/19 – Yucca Tap Room – Phoenix, Ariz.
03/20 – Olde Sedona Tavern – Sedona, Ariz.
03/21 – Mia’s Lounge – Flagstaff, Ariz.
03/22 – Lestats Coffee House – San Diego, Calif.
03/24 – Ham and Eggs – Los Angeles, Calif.
03/26 – Five Star Bar – Los Angeles, Calif. (w/ Dust on the Radio)
03/27 – Crazy Horse – Nevada City, Calif.
03/28 – Stork Club – Oakland, Calif.
03/30 – Club 66 – Ashland, Ore.
04/02 – Emerald of Siam – Richland, Wash.
04/03 – Firkin Tavern – Portland, Ore.
04/04 – Underground 15 – Spokane, Wash.
04/08 – Eddie McStiff’s – Moab, Utah
04/09 – The Green Pig – Salt Lake City, Utah
04/10 – ABG’s Libation Emporium – Provo, Utah
04/11 – Sidewinder Tavern – Denver, Colo.
04/11 – Sidewinder – Denver, Colo.
04/12 – Lion’s Lair – Denver, Colo.
04/13 – Vega – Lincoln, Neb.
04/15 – Shamrocks Pub – Omaha, Neb.
04/16 – Driftwood Char Bar – Minneapolis, Minn.
04/17 – Linnemans – Milwaukee, Wis. (w/ Parallel)
04/18 – Silvie’s Lounge – Chicago, Ill.
04/19 – Fizz – Chicago, Ill.
04/22 – Taffeta on Eaton – Eaton, Ohio
04/23 – Scarlet and Grey Café – Columbus, Ohio
04/24 – Pittsburgh Winery – Pittsburgh, Pa.
04/25 – Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) – New York, N.Y.