Echo Scale: ★★★★ (4.4)
Sharkfinger, the two-man musical wrecking crew of Russ Ellis and Derek Burgess, are back with their second album of 2025, Algorhythms. Hailing from opposite ends of Texas Padre Island and Temple this dynamic duo of bass players prove that collaboration knows no distance and that the low-end is a perfectly legitimate place to build a sonic empire. They don’t just play their instruments; they build entire worlds with them, a chaotic, sometimes trippy, always captivating journey into what they call “Alternative Rock,” but what we’d more accurately describe as “the beautiful madness in their heads.”
“Gasoline”
Algorhythms roars to life with a juicy bassline that serves as a defiant thesis statement: these guys know their stuff. “Gasoline” is a trippy, musically unhinged opener, but it’s an atmosphere you’re intentionally invited into, not an accident. While the drum recording might feel a little flat and lacking in impact, the song’s manic energy and solid vocals set the stage perfectly for the beautiful chaos to come. It’s the sound of a seasoned band that has discovered the power of psychedelics and is gleefully embracing the ride.
“Clear”
This is where Sharkfinger’s signature skill for unsettling soundscapes takes center stage. “Clear” is an immersive, almost uncomfortable listen the kind of music that refuses to be background noise. It’s not radio-friendly; it’s a deep-dive for musicians and hardened fans who appreciate bizarre note choices and creepy melodies. The true highlight, however, is the absolutely flawless, gorgeous tone of the guitar solo. Holy cow, Batman! It’s a pristine beacon of light in a wonderfully dark and disturbing sonic landscape.
“Smashed”
If you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like to fuse the best parts of Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, and Soundgarden into a single track, “Smashed” is your answer. This song is a masterclass in musicianship, even if the vocal harmonies occasionally verge on the grating. It’s the sonic equivalent of a good bad trip: psychedelic, dark, and confusing in all the right ways. A testament to why this band is so difficult to pin down and so much fun to try.
“Shine”
Sharkfinger’s understanding of tone is nothing short of phenomenal. “Shine” begins with a pristine clean guitar that dances with a thick, pulsating bassline. This perfect tranquility is short-lived, erupting into a trademark Sharkfinger storm of saturated chaos before settling back down. The seamless transitions and deliberate pacing make this a perfectly constructed song that evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and longing.
“Flippin Switches”
A calmer, yet equally dark atmosphere greets you, a brief moment of calm before the song becomes a funky, creepy monstrosity. “Flippin Switches” solidifies Sharkfinger’s distinct sound, leaving no doubt who you’re listening to. They’ve found a unique groove that’s as catchy as it is unnerving. The solo here, with its beautiful vintage twang, is a stunning counterpoint to the one in “Clear,” proving their tonal palette is both wide and masterful.
“Runaway”
Here’s where things get interesting. “Runaway” is the most conventional song on the album, a rock anthem that feels oddly out of place. While it’s undeniably a good song accessible and radio-friendly its sunnier disposition clashes with the gloomy, bizarre soundscapes of the rest of the album. It’s like finding a pristine pop single in the middle of a psychedelic funhouse. While well-executed, it breaks the immersive spell Algorhythms so carefully casts.
“Deja Vu”
That flawless tone is back in full force. On the surface, “Deja Vu” is a calm, acoustic ballad, but a closer listen reveals all the trippy, beautiful weirdness you’ve come to expect. The production is excellent, with tongue-in-cheek, over-the-top vocals and a perfectly melodic, gripping guitar. It’s a gorgeous, immersive track that proves Sharkfinger can be both beautiful and bizarre at the same time.
“What You Need”
The album’s closer is a prog-leaning, bat-shit insane explosion of sound. The retro electric organ is your first warning shot that all rules are out the window. It’s all over the place, like the shit on the walls of an asylum, and it’s absolutely brilliant. While not as dark as the other tracks, “What You Need” fits perfectly because it’s still gloriously, unapologetically weird. A fantastic, musically excellent way to close out the journey.
In Conclusion (Or Maybe, Confusion)
If you’re trying to introduce someone to rock music, Sharkfinger’s Algorhythms might not be the best place to start. It’s complicated, dark, weird, and completely inaccessible for a casual listener. However, for the seasoned music fan yearning for a band to come in and flip the genre on its head, this is your new favorite album. It’s a genuinely enjoyable and immersive listen that proves there’s still plenty of uncharted sonic territory to explore. We can’t wait to see what comes next from these two bass-wielding mad scientists.
Echo Scale: ★★★★ (4.4)
