Every now and again, we feature bands and music that are not intrinsically tied to heavy metal but might have appeal with listeners of more extreme forms of music. I highly doubt most people who read this site and listen to metal never veer out of their lanes and enjoy other types of music. Anyone who actually does that should try some other things.

We’ve been big fans of Philly throwback rock band Sheer Mag for several years now, and they have enough guitar firepower and punch to appeal to a metal fan. Their third record “Playing Favorites” has arrived, and it shows a different shade to the band—vocalist Tina Halladay, guitarist/drummer Kyle Seely, guitarist Matt Palmer, bassist Hart Seely. Noticeable is the infusion of more melody and textures as well as Halladay doing more singing than wailing, which shows how talented she really is. While they may have evened out some rougher edges, they still pack energy, charismatic vocals, and even some glam punk fury that was splashed all over their first two albums.

The title track opens the record and instantly gives you a heavy dose of what has changed, namely the smoother, poppier nature of their songs. But they haven’t lost their edge, which you can hear as ’70s-style guitars wash over, Halladay’s singing is breezier and confident, and the whole thing feels like the promise of warm weather ahead. “Eat It and Beat It” reignites the riffs, group calls rousing, Halladay singing, “Enjoy your last meal, I hope you worked up an appetite,” as the attitude flows freely. Glammy fire rages as a haze sets in, hand drumming rouses, and everything ends in a cloud of smoke. “All Lined Up” brings a sunburst of guitars, easy and balmy, something that’ll sound even better when the summer returns. The singing glows as the pace swelters, and cool group singing gets into your bloodstream. “Don’t Come Lookin’” starts with acoustics before the electricity gives Allman vibes, the moody guitars lightening spirits, The playing is catchy and fun, the guitars burning, Halladay wailing, “Don’t come looking now that I’ve been unbound.” “I Gotta Go” is slinky and surfy, the guitars teasing, Halladay singing, “By the time you wake up, I’ll be back in your arms, you won’t miss a thing, no.” The playing is both fuzzy and poppy, giving off a tasty classic rock feel that goes down easy.

“Moonstruck” opens with pedal steel and echoed singing, the chorus giving off a 1980s sheen, the guitars splashing sunshine and delving into hazier terrain, once again hinting at warmer days ahead. “Mechanical Garden” features guest Mdou Moctar, and the guitars openly snake, feeling downright sleazy at times, which makes it all the more fun. There is an orchestral gasp, and then the guitars spiral, slinking as your head swims in a psychedelic, cosmic cloud, scorching every step of the way. “Golden Hour” is warm and feels like spring is in the air, again going back to the 1970s vintage, the guitars glowing as the keys add an extra layer of glaze. “Light of the golden hour,” Halladay calls, “my goodbye, I hold your picture as tears come streaming from my eyes, streaming down,” the pain and longing evident. “Tea on the Kettle” is a shorter cut, but strong nonetheless, a Southern rock feel creating the backbone, Halladay singing, “Of all I have to share, I love the way you give to me when there’s nothing to spare.” It’s a bit of a different look for the band, and they make it work with their skill and charisma. “Paper Time” lets the drums drive and the riffs smoke, a simple chorus acting as a rousing backbone, the guitars jarring your spine. The soloing blazes and scorches your flesh, shaking you to your foundation. Closer “When You Get Back” brings slurry guitars and a dusty feel, the playing flowing easily, the harmonized singing raising hair on your flesh. “When you get back I’ll be so full of joy, but now I’m sad and blue, so come back, I need you,” Halladay calls, putting a hopeful end on a record that should transform their profile.

There’s sure to be some people disappointed that Sheer Mag isn’t coming at you fully on fire like on their past records, but this clearly is a band that is sonically maturing and unafraid to push whatever buttons make them move. “Playing Favorites” is a step in a different direction for the band, and it shows they’re capable of more than straight-on bombast and can add different colors and textures to what they do. I’m curious to see how the record is received and if their audience expands, and the music is certain to grow on you the more times you take this adventure along with them.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/SheerMag/

To buy the album, go here: https://thirdmanrecords.com/products/playing-favorites

For more on the label, go here: https://thirdmanrecords.com/