The Shape

The Shape is a trio out of California with some big sounds and an even bigger imagination. I first encountered this band two years back, and their music was something quite distinct. Only two songs long, their Kobraface EP left me wondering how they were going to grow and mature musically. Fast forward to today, and I have the answer. When the band came to me to check out their full length album, Into Trenches I jumped at the opportunity. The band closed their email to me saying, “Enjoy the meticulous crafting of sounds.” With that, they had me sold. Into Trenches is just that, meticulous. Each song features dark sounds, echoing effects, and lots of dramatic twists and turns that will keep your ears on their toes.

Into Trenches also features lots of interludes, eerie vocals, and some pretty haunting (yet intriguing lyrics). Each song feels like a hypnotic, psychedelic trance. There aren’t really any standout tracks (which is a good thing) on this album, the main reason being they all seamlessly merge together to create this memorable (albeit kind of creepy) experience. However, there are some pretty groovy moments that feature some jazz fusion inspired riffs and bass lines and drum rolls and fills (check out the track “A Flock and or Murder”).

Earlier I mentioned lyrics. The lyrical content on this album can give the music a run for its money. Dark, haunting, poetic, it is highly suggested when listening to Into Trenches, you read the lyrics on their Bandcamp page.

“See you ridden in a lion’s den
I’ve been stricken by a thorn that’s red
May they pick your bones instead.”
(lyrics taken from the song “A Flock and or Murder”)

And my personal favorite line from the album comes from the track, “Quiet Now”:

“There are melodies in our memories, and you can’t erase them all.”

Into Trenches was created and brought to life by a successful Kickstarter campaign. It’s wonderful to see bands creating for and with their fans and supporters, this being no exception. The Shape is a band with a vision and the talent to execute their vision quite well. By refusing to label themselves by genre or category, we are left to do what we are all supposed to do in the first place, listen to the music. That’s exactly how I am going to end this review. Simply listen to the music, and let the music speak for itself. - http://wordkrapht.com/

Ever listen to something you liked and wanted to recommend, but just couldn’t explain the sound? That sound is The Shape. Tip-toeing the line between rock and jazz, this trio brings you down and shakes you up all at once with their ambient and groovy style.
If you really had to, call them new acid jazz, just don’t say that to their face; The Shape do not harp on genres and really are hard to pin down with any one description. If you are in the mood for something to relax to without putting you to sleep, The Shape is right up your alley. In short, The Shape are just cool, and they know it:
“WE ARE THE SHAPE, AND WE’D LIKE TO MEET YOU”
Now just chill out and listen, here’s a song off of The Shape’s soon to be released self-titled album: “Kobraface”. - http://seeds.hypetree.com/

Go onto Facebook and Bandcamp to look up The Shape, and that is what you will find.

Comprised of Matthew Ely on Guitar and Vocals, Andrew Jaquith on Bass and Vocals, and Mark Goodwin on Drums The Shape is something so fresh yet familiar all at the same time. It is definitely not indie, and thank goodness for that. If you combine The Mars Volta, The Doors, and throw in a splash of Sleepy Sun for good measure, you could come close to the sound that The Shape creates. All the comparisons do not do the band justice though. This band is something that has to be experienced first hand and yes, preferably live.

Released in November 2011, The K-O-B-R-A-F-A-C-E EP is a brilliant mix of music and sounds. “Respirate” begins the release as a bass-thumping whirlwind of a ride. The guitar only serves as an effect, like background noise created only to enhance the song. The vocals are sparse, and halfway through you are greeted with gentle and hypnotic “OOOOHS” by Matt. Toward the end of the song the bass fades, the guitar fades and the listener is left with soft vocals and beats before silence strikes.

“Kobraface,” the album’s title track is a six-minute long jam session. The ultimate jam session if you will. Slightly more upbeat and groovy then “Respirate,” ”Kobraface” is a journey all in itself. Guitar and bass go hand-in-hand to set the mood of the song right from the start. It’s a walk on a dark abandoned street, and you can’t help but to be intrigued to go further. As Matt croons, “I am the cobra” in such a smooth and gently way, the listener is entranced. There is no turning back now. Four minutes into the song, the vocals stop and the guitar leads you through the rest of the way. As the bass starts to fade, a sharp jarring noise hits the ears. Is it a fence scratching concrete? Are those screams or sounds of singing echoing in the background? As the listener continues to wonder all the sounds, and instruments fade and you are left with the song reverberating in your ears.

The Shape is a band that will not be ignored. Their “take notice” attitude and attention to detail are what will keep you as a fan and always leaving you wanting more. If you are on the east coast and have a chance to see these guys live do yourself a favor and do it.

- http://www.indiemusicreviewer.com

Having performed at local hotspots such as Pearl Street and the Iron Horse in Northampton, The Shape is partaking in this weekend’s Paper Jam. The three-piece improvisation and jazz band consists of all current and former University of Massachusetts students. Senior Matt Ely plays guitar and is The Shape’s lead vocalist while sophomore Mark Goodwin mans the drums. Bass player Andrew Jaquith has already graduated, but that hasn’t stopped the band from working on their debut album.

After having only been together for one year, The Shape is releasing a self-titled album by the end of May. They also just hired a booking manager for the summer, and Goodwin hopes to play a few festivals and book a few opening spots. The Shape has already performed locally and at venues in Boston, so Goodwin’s goals shouldn’t be too difficult.

“We’re all in it to win it,” said Goodwin. The percussionist elaborated, “We’re all pretty serious about it, and intend to play in this group for the rest of the future.”

The band’s heavy jazz influence can be attributed to Ely and Goodwin’s majors. Both students are jazz majors and were put in the same jazz combo.

Goodwin summarized the contemporary, noisy rock band as something along the lines of, “Radiohead meets Phish.”

As for the somewhat ambiguous name, The Shape is partially influenced by Talking Heads lyrics about shapes. The other basis for the title stems from the Boston-based jazz group The Fringe. Goodwin used to take lessons with the band and admired their broad name.

“We wanted a name that would be cool and weird, but at the same time a really common word,” reflected Goodwin.“There was no eureka moment; it just kind of happened.”

The Shape can be found online on Facebook, Myspace and as of moments ago, through their official website, Theshapeisreal.com. A recording is available on the website for viewers to check out The Shape’s style.

The improvisation jazz band will be performing from around 3:50 p.m. to almost 5 p.m. at the Paper Jam on Saturday on The Hill. - The Daily Collegian

Having performed at local hotspots such as Pearl Street and the Iron Horse in Northampton, The Shape is partaking in this weekend’s Paper Jam. The three-piece improvisation and jazz band consists of all current and former University of Massachusetts students. Senior Matt Ely plays guitar and is The Shape’s lead vocalist while sophomore Mark Goodwin mans the drums. Bass player Andrew Jaquith has already graduated, but that hasn’t stopped the band from working on their debut album.

After having only been together for one year, The Shape is releasing a self-titled album by the end of May. They also just hired a booking manager for the summer, and Goodwin hopes to play a few festivals and book a few opening spots. The Shape has already performed locally and at venues in Boston, so Goodwin’s goals shouldn’t be too difficult.

“We’re all in it to win it,” said Goodwin. The percussionist elaborated, “We’re all pretty serious about it, and intend to play in this group for the rest of the future.”

The band’s heavy jazz influence can be attributed to Ely and Goodwin’s majors. Both students are jazz majors and were put in the same jazz combo.

Goodwin summarized the contemporary, noisy rock band as something along the lines of, “Radiohead meets Phish.”

As for the somewhat ambiguous name, The Shape is partially influenced by Talking Heads lyrics about shapes. The other basis for the title stems from the Boston-based jazz group The Fringe. Goodwin used to take lessons with the band and admired their broad name.

“We wanted a name that would be cool and weird, but at the same time a really common word,” reflected Goodwin.“There was no eureka moment; it just kind of happened.”

The Shape can be found online on Facebook, Myspace and as of moments ago, through their official website, Theshapeisreal.com. A recording is available on the website for viewers to check out The Shape’s style.

The improvisation jazz band will be performing from around 3:50 p.m. to almost 5 p.m. at the Paper Jam on Saturday on The Hill. - The Daily Collegian