Artist: Shapes & Colors
Album: On Display EP
Genre: Rock, Pop

For several years, Detroit quintet Shapes & Colors have been pushing their music into a uniquely epic form while attempting to harness the lightning in a bottle that is the grand styling of vocalist Travis Bobier. I first discovered a precursor to Shapes & Colors back in 2009 when I stumbled onto a song called “Circles” by Aria Aesthetic. Listening to that track now, it’s not surprising that these guys are still in the game as strong as ever. This week, Shapes & Colors released a four-song EP called On Display, which is poised to be a breakout release for the band who commands only a mere 3,100 Facebook likes.

Having packed their bags to visit producer Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, The Almost, Gatsbys American Dream), the guys have returned with an incredibly professional–sounding record that begs to be heard. Each song feels huge, with Bobier’s vocals soaring over the clean and simple mix. All four tracks also bring a style and mood of their own, which speaks for the band’s versatility.

The opener, “Just Breathe,” is an inspirational rock song supported by pounding drums and strained vocals that quickly swallow the soft synth intro. Gang vocals and a seriously intense final pre-chorus lend an I The Mighty feel to the track. It’s a standard sound for Shapes & Colors, but feels like the evolved form of their past works.

“Rise” is another impressive track that follows a similar format to its predecessor. An infectious chorus highlights a very well-constructed tune that will get you singing along pretty quickly. Perhaps the strongest track on the EP, “Rise” is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser in a live setting.

“Lately” represents a huge change of pace for the record, with its poppy acoustic-driven melody that will grab hold of Marianas Trench fans everywhere. The build-up at the end of the track is also especially fun.

“New Plateau” continues on a slightly softer side with the trickling of delayed guitars that build into a monumental sound. It’s a lot like what we saw when Bobier began singing with Search The City for their comeback release, Flight.

In summary, On Display is a solid release that has something for everyone. I’m making the assumption that many people will miss or overlook this release, so please go check it out and see for yourself.

SCORE: 9.5/10
Review written by Scott Murray

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Brian Leak

Editor-In-Chief. King of forgetting drinks in the freezer. Pop culture pack rat. X-Phile. LOST apologist.

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