The Shrimps Finders Keepers (Album Review)
The Shrimps Finders Keepers (Album Review)

The Shrimps’ Finders Keepers is a golden-hued roadtrip through sunny days, 70s nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling. From the first track to the last, this album feels like sunlight on vinyl; it’s both classic and refreshing. The band clearly leans into their retro influences while carving out their own sound, held together by rich harmonies, thoughtful instrumentation, and a real love for the groove.

“Saturday Tea” kicks things off with an upbeat and bass-heavy swing, carried by bright drums and a melody that sticks. There’s something infectiously happy about it, with the lead vocal stretching the ends of lines just enough to feel playful. The harmonies near the end offer a satisfying close to a sunny opener.

“Fireworks” glows with that same brightness, opening with a crisp drumbeat that unfolds into guitar and bass layers. The vocals have a Dylan-esque drawl and a touch of laid-back Americana charm. The metaphor of love being like fireworks every night is simple yet effective. Neil Young’s shadow looms in the guitar work, it’s warm, twangy, and heartfelt.

“Away She Goes” brings in a lovely keyboard that adds nostalgic weight to the track, one of the album’s standouts. The lyrics are sparse, but they carry emotional heft. This is a bittersweet goodbye set to a groove that’s easy to sway to. Again, the guitar leads shine with tasteful note changes that give the song depth without drama.

“Siempre” slows things down with a romantic mood. The saxophone is a beautiful addition that elevates the track into a new emotional space. Even without understanding the lyrics, the yearning in the vocals is clear. While the keyboard placement feels a bit misaligned here, the song’s heart remains intact.

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“Uncle Joe” tells a story. It opens with a unique bassline and builds into a character sketch that feels like you’re sitting across from a well-worn family member, hearing tales half-true and fully engaging. The simplicity of the lyrics, paired with gentle backing vocals and textural guitar details, make this one feel intimate.

With “Delicious Sin,” the band channels a Crosby, Stills & Nash kind of harmony, soaked in 70s sunlight. The rhythm is easy and danceable, like something you might shuffle to barefoot in your kitchen. The harmonies are especially strong here, though the track ends more abruptly than expected, leaving you wanting just a little more.

“Pharaoh” stands out for its unique vocal intro and the use of bells, creating an almost ritualistic sound. The bass again takes centre stage, full and forward. The vibe is summery yet darker, like a beach party at twilight. Percussion plays a key role in driving the song forward, and the ending strips everything back to just vocals and keys, giving it a cinematic fade-out.

“No Regrets” brings a tender moment. With echoes of Zeppelin’s Tangerine, it’s soaked in folk-rock warmth. The lyrics touch on reflection without remorse, capturing a nostalgic but uplifting feeling. It’s a reminder to live in the moment, which is a consistent thread throughout the album.

“Dreaming” is delicate, led by beautifully played guitar and tight brotherly harmonies that seem to flow from a single soul. It’s soft, soothing, and quietly powerful, a lullaby for the contemplative and the hopeful.

Closing track “Under the Sun” ties it all together. Acoustic guitar, layered percussion, harmonised vocals, and that ever-present golden glow wrap up the album in a satisfying full-circle moment. It’s not just a great song; it’s a perfect closer, one that stirs curiosity for what’s next for the band.

SCORE/Outstanding – Finders Keepers is an album that feels lived in, like a vintage postcard from another time with a voice that’s entirely now. The Shrimps have created a sound that’s warm, groove-heavy, and quietly profound. A hidden gem that feels like a discovered treasure.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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