Rusty Shipp is a self-proclaimed "nautical rock'n'roll band" hailing from Nashville, TN. Their single "Sinking Scarabs" is an odd, but cool, blend of surf rock and punk rock with a little garage rock thrown in for good measure. The intro is a fast picked surf riff dripping with reverb, but quickly gives way to a punk rock vibe. The first minute and eleven seconds is pure elation for a punk rock fan who is also a Beach Boys junkie. The music slows as the actual verse starts, but the transition from fast to slow and back again works well. The vocals are solid rock and work within the style of the song nicely. Think of a higher-pitched Kurt Cobain. The song is at its weakest lyrically. The lyrics aren't bad or cheesy, but they aren't particularly memorable either. Overall, "Sinking Scarabs" is a really solid song with a sound I doubt you've heard before. If you've ever wondered, "What would it sound like if The Beach Boys, Nirvana, and Thrice got together and wrote a song?" -- One: I would seriously doubt that you really had that thought before reading this; but Two: This is your answer. If you can't get this rocking jam out of your head, be sure to check out "Davy Jones Ain't Got Nothin' On Me" and the group's first EP, Hold Fast to Hope. This super cool single has me wanting to hear what Russ T. Shipp (the lead singer) and Rusty Shipp have in store for us following this single.

- Review date: 4/1/16, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com