SHY – Unfinished Business

Sometimes I wonder if the Z in Z Records stands for Zero, which would best describe the way their records are promoted.

Anyway, that doesn’t mean that Z don’t sign great bands and release great albums. Shy for instance, the best British AOR or hair metal band in the eighties, and a band that released one of my all time favorites, the Neil Kernon produced Excess All Areas, still has something unfinished (to achieve). I must admit I haven’t kept track of the band since their follow-up to Excess All Areas, Misspent Youth, which was another great album, until now; now that Z Records kindly have put a CDR in an envelope and attached a sticker with the song titles.

Unfinished Business is a laidback and catchy record in true Shy manner, with sing-a-long melodies and a hard edge. Tony Mills’ voice is easy to recognize, and songs like “Skydiving” and “Breakaway” are among the best the band has done. I’d say half the record, the first half actually, is high quality, but after that I lose interest, meaning I see the second half as fillers. Not really all the songs, but the record doesn’t entertain me that much throughout the whole disc. Still, I am happily surprised to see Shy back rocking with a record that shows the band’s identity and quality present. Give the band a chance, and pick up the re-release of Excess All Areas as well.