Four final shots from German punk band Shearer. Totally, absolutely, undoubtedly free (or as the band puts it: No DRM, no copy protection, no bullshit). All you have to do is find the Bandcamp page and download (or stream just about anywhere). But should you?

Shearer Dead Band Walking EP (self-released)

Yeah. I'm not going to make out Shearer to be particularly original, but these songs smoke. Just like European metal acts often added classical music touches, Shearer does the same with its lead guitar lines. Nothing showy or fancy, just a classy arpeggio or two at the right moment. It's enough to warm the ears that much more.

Shearer only produced three albums in its 15 years, and to be honest, they were a bit more uneven than this set. It is as if the band distilled all of its experience into the songs on this EP and then totally played the shit out of them.

Fun with a punch. Shearer is clearly going out on top, with as solid a goodbye note as could be hoped for. Play it loud. And then play it louder.

Jon Worley