We just got to know BLACKSHAPE a few months ago when they released their very first single, “III”.
The heavy instrumental outfit is headed down the road to releasing their debut full length LP in early 2021.
In the meantime, the band has put out another track titled “V” to help hold us over until the album.
In celebration of their second single, BLACKSHAPE counted down their top 10 albums with us:
BAND PICKS
Mew – And the Glass Handed Kites.
“We swore that if Mew ever performed And the Glass Handed Kites in its entirety, we would travel wherever was necessary to experience it. This was the year that was going to happen until Covid canceled everything. Hopefully we’ll still get the chance. This record has been so influential on our band. The angular guitar playing, the flow of the songs, the beauty and the heaviness. It’s a masterpiece from start to finish.”
Incubus – Make Yourself
“As kids, the first time we heard “Pardon Me” it felt like future music. This record taught us a ton of weird chord shapes and the importance of a delay pedal and splash cymbals.” (they laugh)
“Though we’ve sort of lost touch with these dudes over the years, like cool uncles, we’ll forever be grateful for their formative influence.”
SCOTT (GUITAR) PICKS
Deftones – Self Titled/Saturday Night Wrist
“These two records have been life changing in equal measure, so it’s hard to pick just one. They’re both peak Deftones in terms of the songwriting and heavy/beauty juxtaposition. These picks might be a little controversial for some Deftones fans, but “Hexagram”, “Minerva”, “Cherry Waves”, and “Rats!Rats!Rats!”, are undeniable examples of the majestic perfection only Deftones are capable of.”
At the Drive-In – Relationship of Command.
“What can be said about this record that hasn’t already been said? It’s perfect and holds up incredibly well even 20 years later. Beyond grateful to those wild men for making something that still feels vital every time we listen.”
JOSH (BASS) PICKS
Glassjaw – Coloring Book
“This album has it all. The first time I heard this record, I was in such awe of the bass lines. The tone, the rhythms, the way they married the guitar and drum parts — I couldn’t get enough and wanted to know how every sound was made. I still feel that way when I listen to it today, and I have probably listened to it over a hundred times.”
Circa Survive – Juturna
“This album represents more listening time than probably any other album in my lifetime. It shaped the way I thought about music, and when I listen to it now, it instills a sense of emotion and feeling that still takes me on a journey. The lyrics seemed to capture my own thoughts in words or ideas that I could never string together, but perfectly represented my own experiences. The music is iconic. It seared into my mind immediately and became a drug that I could never get enough of. I want to get into my car right now, turn it up, and drive.”
PERRY (DRUMS) PICKS
Thrice – Vheissu
“Moody lyrics and layers of dark guitar tones make for soundscapes that paint different feelings in a provocative but not overly obvious way. Catchy vocals and walls of sound song endings really are what get me on this album.”
A Perfect Circle – Thirteenth Step
“Josh Freeze’s drumming is so good; always a sucker for a good concept album that has a story arc to it.”
JOE (GUITAR) PICKS
Cloudkicker – Subsume.
“Ben has a way of bringing heaviness and beautiful layering together. For me, this was one of the first math-intensive records that really clicked and felt right. There are so many crescendos, so many evolutions of huge, mathy riffs that kind of paralyze you and force you to just take it in. At the end of track 3 (sparing the long song titles), he comes in with this relentless riff and it’s sooooo good. He just doesn’t stop playing it, then continues to slam it for like 2 more minutes. There was this distinct feeling of loving it so much but also wanting it to stop, but in a good way. This record, and Cloudkicker’s overall sound, just brought a new sound to the heavy, mathy community.”
Moneen – Red Tree
“These guys married fun and chaos. Yes, Deafheaven exists, but if you know Moneen, those dudes just have fun. And, yes, they aren’t as chaotic as the countless number of bands out there that are, but, the leads and rhythms are both melodic and constant/fast-paced. There’s a personality about these guys that they were able to transform into a record that’s energetic and contagious; a youthful emo-ness of sorts.”
Check out BLACKSHAPE’s new single, “V”:
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