Probably one of the major problems of every band in the universe is how to reinvent their music on each of their albums and, at the same time, keep their specific style. It is a must, indeed. No one wants to record the debut album over and over again (or at least, almost no one). It is also a difficult task, because change is not always for the best. And when it comes about a happy-happy-joy-joy band like Shapes and Sizes, one of the solutions is to put the happiness aside for a moment. Using a metaphor, sometimes you just have to turn off the lights and light candles instead. And this is what they did on their lastest release, Candle To Your Eye.
The change can be felt right from the first track, and I'm talking about Caila Thompson-Hanant's voice. You can almost picture her winking and saying "You knew I was good, but you had no idea that I can be that good, right?" Throw in Rory Seydel's almost androgynous vocals and the things are set. No more words needed.
Instrumentally speaking, it seems they really took seriously their desire to change things by turning to a more meditative and, in certain aspects, elaborated sound. A few highlights: the rhythmic drum sound from Tell Your Mum added to short and intense guitar riffs and dreamy piano sounds is a big yes. Another must is Too Late For Dancing. With its teasing dreams, ethereal vocals and guitar sounds it turns into one of those songs that is erotic by default, while Old Worlds' tribal beats and oddly keyboard sounds are simply dazzling, and you cannot help but love it.
There's a lot to say about the other songs as well, but no word is better than the actual listening, and certainly a list of superlatives is futile. On this album, Shapes and Sizes manage to prove that they are one of those bands that know how to change their sound, but remain themselves at the same time. Good job.
*photo courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty official site
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