Chris Shepard by Randy Walker, former music writer, Roanoke Times
Many songwriters are craftsmen. Chris Shepard is that, and he is also an uncompromising original artist with a unique, darkly comic vision. He is also able to write affecting lyrics and memorable melodies in conventional song format. As a performer, he has a powerful and rhythmic guitar technique, and sings with exceptional strength and range. He deserves widespread recognition.
Sierra Dog Romeo - Sin & Tonic by Ezra Waller, cincymusic.com
Chris Shepard has some stories to tell you, and you better sit down and listen. You might learn a few things from him and his band, Sierra Dog Romeo. Above all else, you'll learn that their self-produced album, Sin & Tonic, is a masterpiece of clever songwriting and shape-shifting grooves. Complex yet accessible, the hard-driving, bluesy tunes remind you of Screaming Trees, but with Chili Peppers funk and urgently picked virtuoso guitar riffs reminiscent of Jimmy Page. Sierra Dog Romeo's hallmark is combining tight syncopated phrases and hooky riffs that stick to your brain like hot tar with freight train energy and sudden tempo shifts. Hardboiled singer/songwriter roots are evident even on the most rocking songs. You can always feel the acoustic punk edge. No matter how ornate the final result is, the original bare bones intensity remains: pick two chords and strum violently. Southern rock flavor is also present, especially on the humorous "Mean People Suck," which strongly resembles the satire of Dayton, Ohio's Spoomonkeys. Chris' lyrics paint a picture of a guy who's been there and back, and now he's returned with a buzz to give you a piece of his mind. His cynical daggers make you wonder whether he's repenting or bragging. There are eloquent passages, soulful confessions and painful realizations, all sprinkled with wry comments like "you satisfy my need for hunger," and "let me whisper in your eyes." Often, a word or two is replaced in a repeated lyric, giving things a whole new spin. He also has a great voice, ranging from the sweet croon of "Landmine" to the growl of "Happy" and "Do What You Say." Vocal layering adds infinite dimension to the songs, plus interesting additions like the female vox in "Wine" and "Beautiful
(*NOTE FROM CHRIS: The vocals on "Beautiful" are all me.*)
(courtesy of Anastasia Mooney who also provides flute on "Mean People Suck") and the unintelligible memorandum delivered at the end of "F____d" are a great addition to the soundscape. Track order is also carefully orchestrated to take you on a musical journey through Shepard's tortured landscape, wallowing in dark sexual imagery, then bathing in light with the sweet emancipation of "Beautiful." The only problem I have here is that the dissonant chords in the chorus of "Happy" are too disorienting for an album opener. Also, the vocal distortion belies Chris' talents. I understand how these quirks play on the theme of the song, but I don't feel it was the right choice for an opener. The CD is well recorded and mixed, allowing snare drum nuances and vocal purrs to shine through while giving the foundation of the songs plenty of power. The balance of instruments is very tasteful, with acoustic guitar underpinnings and classic funk scratching sharing the same space with soaring solos as on "Wine." At times, the rhythm guitar lacks thickness. There may be a desire to avoid overdriven post-grunge trappings, but the lack of presence in some spots makes you want to reach into the stereo and turn the switch from "jangly" to "bone-crushing." Musicianship overall is superb. Tightness and interplay between instruments makes you suspect SDR might be a funky jam band on the side. The guitar is like a second voice for Chris and he speaks through it effortlessly, as if he could tell you the entire story with out a word. Robby Sinclair's drumming is solid and flavorful, always complementing the feel of the song perfectly. Hand percussion is also used sparsely, but to great effect, especially intertwined with the relentless, blazing groove of "Electrosexual," SDR's tribute to an "eternal temptress." - By the time Sin & Tonic comes to a close and Chris is staggering away, you know this album is one you'll want to revisit whether you're seeking solitary commiseration or just rubbernecking into his ship wreck love life. Sierra Dog Romeo's songwriting sensibility and relaxed playing allows them to weave you through abrupt changes in every song without making the album sound like a wankfest. The content is personal and well rendered. There are a number of songs here that could be timeless classics, but somehow a dark bedroom seems to be a more fitting venue than an arena rock radio station. The swagger in SDR's music gives you the unmistakable impression that things will be done on their terms. Hopefully their plans include making more great music.
“Very cool 'n' loopy, heavy " by Martin Popoff – Author, Sr. Editor of Brave Worlds
“Very cool 'n' loopy, heavy and NYC-ish... Like BOC in a lot of ways.
Martin Popoff – Author, Sr. Editor of Brave Worlds & Bloody Knuckles,
Contributor to Guitar World & Goldmine
“Good in that weird, twisted..." by - Albert Bouchard – Blue Oyster Cult
“Good in that weird, twisted, college boy kind of style
…it seems like you have a good thing going. Keep it up.”
- Albert Bouchard – Blue Oyster Cult, The Brain Surgeons
Shepard Wows Audience with Unique Style by Aaron Richardson – The Prowler
(Shepard) gave a rousing performance of original songs, old and new, and marvelously reworked covers of classics
Sierra Dog Romeo • Crosseyed Loaded by
(JC) -"Impact PressSierra Dog Romeo • Crossedeyed Loaded • self-released • Chris Shepard is the mind behind this rocking and sarcastic band that delivers songs about hippies, skinning dogs, smoking crack and working a 9-5. The guitar riffs are an ode to the roots of rock-n-roll with a driving bass line to go along. The overall sound is a clash of glam and grunge at their worst of peaks. Comparable in nature to the context of Ween, Zappa, Beck and Primus, expect to be entertained by a solid album of some comical songs and sounds. Check out "I Just Flat Out Can't Stop Smoking Crack" and "Down From The Sky" for a taste. (JC) Shepard's lyrics have a way of sticking by Mason Adams – Inside Out
“Shepard's lyrics have a way of sticking in your head. "I Just Flat Out Can’t Stop Smoking Crack" stuck in my for days, in fact.”
Chris Shepard & Sierra Dog Romeo: Sin & Tonic by
Andrea Caumont, leftoffthedial.comListening to Chris Shepard and his band Sierra Dog Romeos new release Sin and Tonic I cant help but picture coolers perched on tailgates, sweaty beer cans grasped in hands, and a throng of people, eyes shaded against the harsh sunlight, rocking their bodies to the sounds emitting from four large speakers set up haphazardly on an outdoor stage. Chris Shepards guitar rock, because it can simply be described as guitar rock, sounds like quintessential, American music. The kind of music you would expect to hear in a small town like Roanoke, VA or a small town in any other state. Shepard is definitely a great guitarist, and that is the most important thing to know about this release it has great guitar, the kind of balls-out power chords so many males (and females) are craving nowadays. Unfortunately, the lyrics leave a little to be desired. The majority of Shepards songs are the angsty howlings of man slighted by woman. Songs like Private Hell and F__d comprise the angry end of the spectrum while Elecrtrosexual and How Id Love to Love You round out the woman-as-devil picture. The early-90s term grunge is definitely applicable here. Shepards voice is dirty with pain, resentment and longing. Coupled with his lyrics, his songs leave a frustrated and bitter taste in your ears. Lightening up the majority of the album are songs like Mean People Suck. Shepards big hit, this song has seen lots of airplay in Roanoke, as well as in other areas around the country. Filled with lighthearted but clever lyrics, Mean People Suck parodies the hippie causes Shepard is all too familiar with:
We've got an open-minded, bongo
hackey-sack hemp community
Recycle freedom, all-natural poetry
I've got a world vision, but I don't know what to say
I'd better get crackin', only six weeks 'til Earth Day
A far cry from the majority of the album, Mean People Suck sets a different tone and shows a different side of Shepard. Hes not all bitterness and broken heart, hes got a sense of humor too. Guitar Guy Flexes Some Acoustic Muscle by Chris Henson, The Roanoke Times
“His voice has the crackle of an old radio and the urgency of the
Emergency Broadcast System.”
“Each original song is a litany of raw nerves and haggard emotions”
Chris Shepard - Caller Number 9 by Geoffrey Simons – Fly Magazine
“Chris Shepard has successfully developed a hypnotizing style with his
powerfully-driven acoustic electric rock.”
Chris Shepard – “Landmine” by Joe Quam, roanoke.com
This one is different kids! As a solo artist, Chris Shepard gets more mileage out of his ax than a lumberjack in a feeding frenzy. His voice is edgy, his guitar raw and his music is not for the faint of heart. Take my word for it or go to the Chris Shepard Rock Site
Crosseyed Loaded by Nessim Halioua – leftoffthedial.com
“‘Crosseyed Loaded’ has a good mix of that ‘down-home’ kind of rock n’ roll”
“There are, however, tender moments on this album as well, especially on ‘My Love’, where the Hendrix-inspired guitar seems to go along with singer Chris Shepard’s Chris Cornell-esque throating and wailing.”
Sierra Dog Romeo – “Sin and Tonic” by Matt Dooley, roanoke.com
Chris Shepard is one of Roanoke’s better known local acts. His latest effort as part of Sierra Dog Romeo combines his characteristic edgy vocals and grunge-ish lyrics with the full sound of a 5-member band. As usual, his guitar work is distinctive and flavorful. “Aspartame” is very reminiscent of Alice In Chains’ “Would”.
