Shapes and Sizes – Split Lips, Winning Hips, A Shiner

Sure there are key changes and time changes galore (Geese really disappeared up its own rectum by the end) but there seems to be a reflective edge to their music now that was missing on debut LP Shapes and Sizes.

Sure there are key changes and time changes galore (Geese really disappeared up its own rectum by the end) but there seems to be a reflective edge to their music now that was missing on debut LP Shapes and Sizes.

 

 

Shapes and Sizes – Split Lips, Winning Hips, A Shiner

http://www.konkurrent.nl/ http://www.asthmatickitty.com/

 

Now I admit I was a little wary of Shapes and Sizes’ new one. Would it be as wilfull and cussed as their debut?

 

I have to say I really, really like this release, it’s got a lot of charm, and doesn’t try too hard, which is a relief. And the opening track, Alone, Alive is a cracker all jangly guitars and urgent beats. You know, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with pop music, even if it is a bit leftfield. Sure there are key changes and time changes galore (Geese really disappeared up its own rectum by the end) but there seems to be a reflective edge to their music now that was missing on debut LP Shapes and Sizes. The Taste in My Mouth is a lovely drawn out lament with a righteous brass accompaniment.

 

As usual there are some cracking titles, The Horse’s Horsey Mouth is a classic, and Highlife I Had Been Duped is another. On an aside, I really hope they’re not dissing Guy Warren here… Still it’s a great track, all sharp angles and shuffling beats that collapses quite spectacularly by the end.

 

Yep, it’s enjoyable and more relaxed, somehow this band are hitting their stride. Check out A Long Indifference for a bravura display of quirky pop.  More power to their elbow, say I.

 

Words: Richard Foster.