SHADE - The Exploitation Tapes (EP Review)

Release Date: January 23rd 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

The Exploitation Tapes - Tracklisting

1.The Exploitation Tapes 01:15

2.S.G.K. 03:37

3.Surge 03:37

4.Bloodbath Boogie 04:00

5.What the River Took 04:56

6.Forbidden Snack 04:39

Members

Ahmed Ben Ayed - Guitar

Wahid Walter Rehouma - Bass

Mehdi Beltaief - Vocals

Aziz El Ghoul - Drums/Vocals

Mehdi Haouet - Guitar/Vocals

Review

The Exploitation Tapes is the latest release from Stoner Metallers SHADE who have introduced a novel concept for this EP. As they blend themes and soundbytes that take influence from the world of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and Grindhouse cinema for imaginary films for each individual track. It’s a quite a cool record with SHADE adapting a sleazy and stripped back element to the record especially with how the EP sounds and plays out.

The tracks are quite PUNK ROCK driven with sometimes a seedy vibe holding everything together especially when SHADE play music with a subtle “NO FUCKS GIVEN” attitude which allows areas of Fuzz, Alt Rock and Grunge to suddenly appear especially within the opening tracks of The Exploitation Tapes, S.G.K. and Surge. The main vocals are provided by Mehdi Beltaief and he takes influence from mostly the Americana, Punk, Fuzz and Grunge musical scenes. There’s an OUTLAW and DESERT aspect to the vocals littered throughout the EP. 

This is quite similar and vastly different to SHADE’s acclaimed 2025 debut release Distant Suns. The record is dominated by SHADE’s love for “B” movies and all the mythology that comes with that genre of cinema with the music being constantly refreshing and highly energetic in places. You can easily tap into the creative themes that SHADE delivers for each track especially on the second half part of the EP which is where I had the most enjoyment on tracks such as Bloodbath Boogie, What The River Took and Forbidden Snack. 

The Exploitation Tapes is a short, concise and action packed release that doesn’t outstay its welcome. I wish there were a couple more tracks as the EP suddenly ends when things are becoming more interesting. However, it’s best to leave the audience wanting more and SHADE ultimately deliver on that front. 

If you've ever wondered what a QUENTIN TARANTINO or ROBERT RODRIGUEZ film would sound like with an underground Stoner Rock soundtrack then this is the closest you're ever likely to get.

Excellent and Highly Recommended. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links 

LinkTree | BandCamp

Introduce Yourselves: Sunguine

What is the name of your band?

Sunguine. The word stems from “sanguine”, depicting optimistic or positive personality, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. It’s a reminder to be positive in this weird experience of the strange realm we live in, while the “Sun” represents the bright light in the dark.

What is the genre of music that you play?

I’d say my music fits somewhere between psychedelic rock and stoner doom while flirting with stoner jazz, covertly disguised altogether as psychedelic stoner doom.

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

It started out as (and still is) a solo project in the late 2022 when my friend challenged me to finally start recording. She was fed up with me talking and not doing anything about it, so when I finally did it, I didn’t really liked how it turned out.

However, she was so hyped for me that I spent the following spring developing heavier and slower ideas with a new, different approach. This led me to an idea for a concept album, resulting in 86% instrumental tale spread across 7 chapters of the full length debut, “I” (“One”), recorded during the summer of 2023.

I’m pretty sure another release will see the light of day sometime in 2024. While recording the first release, I started to come up with new ideas which I’m currently reviewing and expanding, so stay tuned.

Which musical roots was crucial to direct your approach in songwriting?

I’m a guitarist first, a drummer second (and a bassist somewhere down the road). And it’s all very connected when you write all parts for each instrument.

Most of the time, I feel the guitar-wise influence of early stoner rock / stoner doom era bands with a hint of classic Wishbone Ash, Kenny Burrell and Boogaloo Joe Jones vibe.
Drum-wise - since jazz is all about the drums - my ears are drenched in anything Art Blakey or Joe Morello had for a nightcap.

What can people expect from your music?

An introspective expedition to psychotropic soundscapes. Walk the sonic trail through the scenery of Adriatic coastline, shape-shifting dunes and cosmic exploration. Stop by the scenic overlook and have a snack with heavy cream bass, crispy drums and fuzz on the side.

Where can people find you on Social Media?

https://sunguine.bandcamp.com/album/i
https://facebook.com/sunguineband/
https://instagram.com/sunguineband/
https://youtube.com/@Sunguineband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Q2G9zmT6s2LZjw5fyukSH