Walking Shapes – Mixtape (Vol. 1)

Artist: Walking Shapes
Album: Mixtape (Vol. 1)
Label: No Shame
Released: July 30, 2013

Brooklyn based Walking Shapes recently formed their bombastic indie-rock band in late 2012 yet, have already had a residency at Piano’s in NYC and have successfully released their debut album Mixtape (Vol. 1) via No Shame records. The dynamic five-member group comprises the musical talents of Nathaniel Hoho, Jesse Kotansky, Dan Krysa, Christopher Heinz and Jacob Generalli drawing their inspiration from musicians such as Alt-J, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins and The Beatles.

The third track on the debut album is the dream-like “Mechanical Arms”.  The track begins with the full-toned voice of lead singer, Nathaniel Hoho, in bursts of perfectly emphasized and held out lyrics accompanied by light drums and guitar. The song later progresses to controlled, elegant shouts and an increase in drum activity creating for an emotional experience and consequential jaw drop. Following “Mechanical Arms” is “Keep”, a moving, chorus-driven song coming in as track number four on the album. The track begins in a soft, upbeat style which charms you gradually into the chorus. Once into the chorus, you will discover passionate quick-spit words, along with soft background chants and a string arrangement guaranteed to make you sway.

Track number six on the album is “Bison” and all of its electricity. The song’s beginning includes reaching choral vocals, a constant jolt of guitar, and soft drumming. The song mixes a variety of styles ranging from slow and sway-worthy all the way to light headbanging resulting in a vibrant tune worthy of being put on repeat. “Champagne” will be found as track eight on the album. The song begins with cheerful keyboard sounds that are sure to bring the listener images of frolicing through a field of flowers. However the song soon progresses into passionate lyrics of short and long lengths, and finishes in a dreamy Beatles-like fashion. All-in-all the track is a successfully experimental track which perfectly showcases the unique and flexible album, Mixtape (Vol. 1).

Reviewed by Ariana Hernandez