Search - Shapeshifters :: Sound Advice (Chi)

A solid debut

Benjamin Norman | Washington DC | 04/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alright, if you are reading this review it's because you've stumbled upon the Shapeshifter's debut album, while taking a glance around to see what this site has to offer. I am going to assume, also, that you've at least heard their HUGE summer '04 smash, Lola's Theme. Perhaps not, perhaps you know them from their song Back To Basics, under the moniker Shape:UK. Or perhaps, even more unlikely, you know them by their current amazing single, Incredible. Whatever the reasons, here we both are.



Now, you look at the price of this CD and wonder, should I? Is it worth it? I daresay it is, but perhaps that isn't enough for you. Why, that you're even reading this review as opposed to processing the transaction this very second is all the proof I need that you need some convincing. So I shall start at the beginning.



The Shapeshifters have almost molded the scene to suit them, much like Madonna does to the pop scene. House music wouldn't be where it is today without the instant success of Lola's Theme, and that's saying a lot. They continue to be a breath of fresh air, providing something new and refreshing amid a stale scene. This album is no exception.



From the getgo, this album sets out to prove that there is so much more to the dance, and subsequently, house, genre than meets the eye or ear. Take the opening track, You Never Know. Most listeners would expect to open up to a dancefloor smash, their booty shaking almost immediately after pressing "play". But what do the Shapeshifters do? They give us a pop track, slower with beautiful vocals, lush synths and bass, and a great lyrical hook. And what is it about? Wow, she says, "It might be the last time you close your eyes." Take a chance, take a risk. What an amazing message, the very first song.



But don't worry, the latest dance craze is but a song away, in the form of the string & guitar-driven Sensitivity. About half the album has actual vocals, and while those tracks are interesting enough, it is tracks like these that make the album shine. You'll find yourself singing along in no time, bopping around wherever you are, regardless of what you are doing. Lola's Theme and Incredible follow (check my other reviews for an in-depth of Incredible), and then on to the track Really Feel. This song has a smidgeon of vocals, but it is more of a showcase of their music rather than their lyrical skills, or the skills of their amazing vocalists, Cookie, Jenna Gibbons, Kelly Marie, and an assortment of others. Over Me is the next song, and it starts off beautifully with a simple drum beat, shortly joined with a beautiful string arrangement and some effects. This is another great slower, more pop-oriented track. The great thing is that all of these songs would sound great if remixed (properly, that is), but sound amazing even without any.



The album follows in that general progression, although the next few tracks are mainly instrumental, with some slower vocal tracks bringing up the end of the album. All in all, this album is like a pleasant beach vacation, the perfect mood to a perfect day.



And heed the advice given in "You Never Know". Take a risk and pick this up."

Warning - Content Protected

kiwimec | Jakarta, Indonesia | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of EMIs wonderful content protected CDs. Make sure you read exactly what this is compatible with. If you are using an iPod (and who isn't?), you will only be able to install this into iTunes if you also have a Mac. It's a shame, its a great CD."

A Thank You For The Great Advice!

Lina | Singapore, Singapore | 06/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well what can I say!? It is about time this album was released... ever since I heard "Lola's Theme", I couldn't believe my ears. Was it the new Basement Jaxx single? Was it by Silicone Soul? No. The groundbreaking "Lola's Theme" was in fact by two London-based DJs Simon Marlin and Max Reich who made up The Shapeshifters. And then came "Back To Basics" and I thought to myself, when are these guys actually gonna release an album!? I want more from where this came from.



Released March this year, Sound Advice is The Shapeshifters massive debut. Think of Sound Advice as The Shapeshifters' contribution to dance music as was Keane's contribution to rock with Hopes & Fears. That's just how powerful this album is.



From opener, "You Never Know" until the last track, "Instead of Falling", Sound Advice never disappoints for a split second. Apart from the aforementioned tracks, the other two singles off this album, the ever-funky "Incredible" and the catchy "Sensitivity", are of course extremely impressive. But don't worry, I assure you every single track on this album is single-worthy... there just isn't a single filler in here.



For fans of funky house, this album is not to be missed. Get it right now and start enjoying this masterpiece of an album as soon as you can."