Bellingham's Shook Ones had already burned through more than half of their set by the time things started to get really crazy. It was the summer of 2005, the band was celebrating the release of their debut album, Sixteen, at West Seattle's American Legion Hall, and since the party was themed "Summer Camp circa 1985," the enthusiastic kids who formed a half-circle around the band donned hilariously outmoded knee-high socks, velour short shorts, visors, and slip-on Vans (think Wet Hot American Summer with a hardcore soundtrack). The band tore into a Saves the Day cover (the actual song escapes me, but I'm pretty positive it was an old favorite off Can't Slow Down), and sunglasses flew through the air as people jumped around. Then the party reached its climax—a mass of people huddled together, raised their arms over their heads, and partook in the first-ever crowd boating. I can't remember if it was a kayak or a canoe, but a young man in a boat was hoisted into the air as he paddled through the sea of people below him (he was careful not to knock off any heads with the oars, of course) while the band played on—it was hilarious.
A year and a half later, the Shook Ones have continued the fun. Soon after the release of Sixteen, the band signed with Revelation Records, joining a roster of artists like Shai Hulud, Gorilla Biscuits, and Texas Is the Reason. Shook Ones released a three-song EP, they toured the nation, and most recently went to Europe for a couple weeks. "[The European tour] was great," says Shook Ones singer Scott Freeman. "We were there for three weeks, and played every night."
Now that they're back in the U.S., the band's next move is to release a new album, their Revelation full-length debut, Facetious Folly Feat. The record won't be out until October 31, but just like last time, they're doing it in style, this time dubbing their CD-release party the "Fall Ball," with a stereotypical high-school homecoming dance as the inspiration. It happens Sunday, October 22, at West Seattle's American Legion Hall. There's no cover, and the record will be available for purchase at the party a week and a half early.
The Shook Ones won't just be supplying their Lifetime-inspired posi-hardcore rock 'n' roll; they're also bringing in surprises like a photo-shoot setup (complete with cheesy backdrop), refreshments (there have been rumors of cotton candy)... hell, they're even planning to crown a homecoming court! And as you probably can guess, all showgoers will be expected to dress for the occasion.
"If everyone's dressed up, then everyone's less reserved at the show," says Freeman. "People are so worried about appearances—so it seems like if everyone's wearing short shorts and high socks, everyone chills out and remembers that this isn't as serious as a lot of people think it is. It's supposed to be fun."
