Bio
Timeless, ethereal, catchy - all perfect descriptors of the Shapes self-titled debut album, a playful Americana “beach-folk” band hailing from Santa Cruz that features harmony and homegrown lyrics. The constant rhythmic backdrop of ocean blues combines with a Wilco-esque playfulness that makes the listener nostalgic for a summer day joyride, windows rolled all the way down, salty wind pouring in. The band includes surfboard shaper Ashley Lloyd Thompson (of the Ashley Lloyd Situation), her husband Alex Thompson on guitar and vocals, Ron Work, Damon Danielson and Lisa Edberg.
A continuous drumbeat provides a feeling of ease, and of simpler musical times. Lloyd Thompson’s voice is haunting and bluesy like a young Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and occasionally adding a little Ani Difranco funk.
Her voice combines with Thompson’s seamlessly, an essence of Jeff Tweedy coming through - strong and level with a softness that compliments Lloyd Thompson’s more emotional side.
In “Haircut,” the duo makes a romantic choral assertion that anyone in relationship can appreciate:
“Love dear/ will rise above fear/ baby we can overcome/ when two hearts beat as one dear/ they can knock down any wall.”
If you seek out one album this Fall, make it the Shapes.
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