CDREVIEWS.COM
"[Shuttlecock] is the definitive nail in the coffin of the argument that a mere two people can’t make as much noise as three or four. Ken Chojnacki and John Hubbell pack a full – and loud – punch of angular post-hardcore math-rock by banging away on guitar, drums and electronic synthesizers. In a word, their sound is percussive. Every note sounds banged out rather than played, as if it’s the result of something being hit with a stick or pounded with a fist or whatever other extremity was available at the time. Even the guitar, when it does break through the mix, wails as if undergoing a thorough bludgeoning.
I can hardly believe it. How can two people make all of this electro-racket without a little pre-recorded or over-dubbed cheating? In an age when the laptop has become the rock instrument of choice, these guys opt instead to juggle their instruments like tennis balls and slap them silly on the way down. Just try doing that with a Powerbook."
Written by Jonathon Winters
TECHNOPUNKMUSIC.COM
"Shuttlecock is relentless in their experimentations, avoiding conventional song structures like they were diseased, and coming up with songs that are breathtaking for those with an insatiable taste for the musically unpredictable."
Written by Bill Mahoney
SWIZZLESTICK.COM
To call [Shuttlecock] "art rock" would risk invoking images of Styx, Rush or even The Mars Volta... and none of those come remotely close to describing the sounds on this EP. Repeating (but certainly not droning) rhythms combine with bursts of noise and melody in ways that are very familiar, but at the same time made new. Throw in the fact that, quote: "There is no use of any type of modern sample, sequencer or Midi device on this recording or during any live performance, for that matter" and this EP becomes even more impressive.
To leave one wanting more is a difficult musical feat to accomplish, even more difficult when you refuse to put your music in a box. But Shuttlecock have managed to craft a truly hypnotizing music that is as hard to describe as it is hard to resist.
Written by Fat Johnny
Shuttlecock has shared the stage with:
The Album Leaf, The Arcade Fire, Beauty Pill, Bob Rising & The Transplants, Cave-In, Chinup Chinup, The Detachment Kit, Elliott, Fing Fang Foom, Gil Manteras Party Dream, Japanther, I am the World Trade Center, Icarus Line Infinite Number of Sounds, Karate, Koufax, Shipping News, Tara Jane O'neil, Thunderbirds Are Now, Victory At Sea.
SIMULATION ASSIMILATION
SHC 006
2006
Recorded and balanced by Kevin Ratterman at The Funural Home in Louisville, KY.
Mastered by JJ Golden
Purchase -- go
EXISTING BRIDGES
FRI 013
2003
Recorded and balanced by Bob Weston at The Key Club Recorders in Benton Harbor, MI
Mastered by John Golden
Purchase: go
MACHINE-EXTENDED
ICR 004
2002
Recorded and balanced by Bob Weston at The ODUM in Chicago, IL.
Mastered by John Golden
Purchase: go
