Release
date: Sept 03rd 2015. Label: Pink Tank Records Formats: CD/DD
Shapeshifters:
Tracklisting
1
Shapeshifter
2
Bad Fashion
3
The Wicker Man
4
Desert
5
Interlude
6
Supernova
7
Heliopolis
8
Into the Green
Band
Members:
Marian:
Guitars,Voc,Synth
Ötzi:
Drums
Arne:
Bass
Review:
Bone
Man are possibly the breakout stars currently on ace record label –
Pink Tank Records. They released a stunning album in 2014 with
Plastic Wasteland struck a chord with fans and reviewers alike. Bone
Man's blend of Psychedelic Stoner/Grunge/Fuzz has seen there stock
rise considerably over the last couple of years or so.
Now
Pink Tank Records are going back to the Bone Man archives and
releasing their debut EP – Shapeshifter – from 2011. So what do
you get with 2015's version of Shapeshifter. It sees Bone Man
starting to create their distinctive sound. Opening track –
Shapeshifter – is a Stoner/Grunge/Fuzz hybrid with trippy vocals to
match. 90's style grunge is spliced with heavy psychedelic stoner
riffs with Bone Man impressing from the start.
Second
track – Bad Fashion – is a more noise rock kind of affair with
the grungier aspects starting to create a loud and violent
atmosphere. The fuzz based nature of the album becomes almost violent
with Bone Man showing people of their huge potential all those years
ago. The vocals can be described as bombastic at times though it fits
with the tone and structure of the song. The guitars have enough
power and precision to keep all serious Stoners happy all day long.
Third
track – Wicker Man – has a slight folk rock feel. I don't know
why but this song reminds me of Jethro Tull. The stoner riffs have
been replaced by a more laid-back vibe. It's a song I don't have much
time for I'm afraid. It doesn't really go anywhere but Bone Man have
always been about experimentation.
Thank
Christ, the band return to their heavier musical roots on the 4th
song – Desert. A thumping number with an undeniable Punk Rock
driven energy. The vocals may take some getting used to but they
manage to get Shapeshifter back to hard-rocking territory.
Fifth
track – Interlude – is just that. A 90 second
Stoner/Acoustic/Synth odyssey which gives the band time to venture
into almost post-rock theatrics. It's a nice soothing piece with a
few doom and gloom moments before it suddenly ends.
Sixth
track – Supernova – sees Bone Man unleash the EP's strongest
track. A stunning mix of slow-paced grunge riffs and the faster style
Psych Stoner Rock we've grown accustomed to over the last few years.
It's an exciting ride from start to finish.
The
EP's final two track – Heliopolis and Into The Green – which I
think is from their 2009 demo album. It's good to hear some older
material from Bone Man as these two songs are the heaviest songs on
the EP. Expect more Psych Rock driven Stoner Rock madness played with
a burning passion.
My
final thoughts on Shapeshifter is that's a great record for Pink Tank
Records and Bone Man to release. For newer fans of Bone Man this is
an essential release to add to their Bone Man record collection. For
established fans, it maybe best waiting for the next album to be
released as there's no new material as such. Unless you want the
awesome shiny vinyl record courtesy of my good pal Jan at Pink Tank
Records. So go and buy it when it's released.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Jan at Pink Tank Records for the promo. Shapeshifters will be
available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Pink Tank Records from September
3rd 2015.
Links:
