Shell - Have You Heard?

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Well, if you haven't heard yet, Shell Perris is a talented lass who's made a dent since leaving the first line up tbc to reinvent herself as a singer/songwriter and purveyor of message-packed pop rock. There is some fine stuff here with the punchy title track standing out while the song "Barbie Girl" with its withering depiction of air head models prepared to strut their stuff for an exploitative fashion industry is probably the sharpest thing Shell has ever penned. The disappointing decision to put all five songs (including the radio hits "Made To Be Me" and "The La La Song") featured on Shell's 2007's EP debut on this new package is, to my mind, a big mistake only partially made up for by the 'Have You Heard' package containing a bonus DVD with the entertaining short form for "Barbie Girl" and an interview. But no one can deny that Shell pens exceptionally catchy teenage-angled songs, the production from mainstream hitmakers Simon Hill and Rob May is top rate and with Shell appearing at Spring Harvest this year, this will surely establish the Warrington-based talent as a Christian retail favourite.