Walking Shapes: Shapeshifters Walking Among Us

A Parallel Planets piece by Tomi Uysingco

Parallel Planets presents Walking Shapes

in Shapeshifters Walking Among Us

Story and Interview by Tomi Uysingco

Mentioned: Minus the Bear, ambiguity, and making it big

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Walking Shapes hasn't hit it big. Not just yet. But they should. They're poised for stardom with all their art rock catchiness and balance of analogue warmth and electronic singularity.

Wow. Those are pretty big words for a band that I haven't heard of until I was about to interview them. But I swear its true. Some likened them to the Mercury Prize winning band Alt-J, while others say they sound like Radiohead (From Blah Blah Science: “if instead of being 'really into' Flying Lotus and bowler hats, Thom Yorke hung out more at the beach,” I just had to quote it). All pretty valid points once you hear the band.

So while searching for the right words to describe the band, I let one of my close friends hear their debut output, Mixtape Vol. 1 released by No Shame Records. It was some sort of mini internet listening party, with the two of us discussing the band's sound and how it appealed to us. I pointed out that Walking Shapes somehow reminded me of Minus the Bear. My friend quips that it indeed sounded like Minus the Bear, only if they didn't hang out with Daryl Hall. In his own words, “before Minus the Bear turned lame.” Just as he said that, their track Horse plays and we both agree that it sounded like Circa Survive via dance rock.

What the hell is this really?

Walking Shapes

Walking Shapes' ambiguity comes natural to the band, but more than that, it works for them in spades. Mixtape Vol. 1 meshes so well together that you'll seldom even notice the subtle changes, but once you do, you'll start to realize that they've been genre hopping since the start of the record – all effortless and graceful. There's surf dance rockers for all night coked up boogie woogie, Beatles-esq psych pop, Stereolab-like flourishes, My Morning Jacket inspired jams, washes of melancholia, and the slickest production an indie band could come up with. Its everything and the kitchen sink and undeniably all their own. It may sound like it won't work on paper, but trust us, it sure as fuck does.

(Side note: The kids setting up Wanderland next year better take notice. I personally think this band should rule that bill, if not the whole festival.)

With a superb debut under their belts, beautifully shot music videos for their singles Pusher, Keep, and Horse, a superb cover of Frank Ocean's Lost (!!!) featuring Seasick Mama, and the charisma to win over fans around the world, it would be best if you would get accustomed to them now. Just don't be that guy that brags to all of his friends that you were the one that heard them first – tell 'em Parallel Planets sent you.

Which brings me to my original point: the Walking Shapes are gonna be something big. No questions about it. I'm calling it now. Trust me. Its a pretty tall order, but seriously, have I failed you yet?

Now lets try to decipher the ambiguously cool Walking Shapes. Read on for our interview with Walking Shape's Nathaniel Hoho, where we talk more about the band and their influences.

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Parallel Planets: Tell us and our readers how Walking Shapes came about and what were you all doing before the band started. I know two of you were from The Click Clack Boom, is Walking Shapes a progression from that band?

Nathaniel Hoho: "Walking Shapes formed in late 2012. Jesse and I previously had been playing in The Click Clack Boom as you just mentioned, while Dan, Chris and Jake were all winding down other projects as well. Walking Shapes is a progression from our previous band, but more so an expansion. This project has the freedom to not have boundaries that were set or seen as unconventional to pre-existing projects. We're really looking forward to exploring new depths and musical styles with this project, and I hope that over the next several years of releasing music this shines through. We have a new album we're releasing in early 2014 and I think even comparing "Mixtape Vol. 1" and the new, yet to be released album, listeners will get an idea that we are trying to always grow and not settle on one specific sound, but pioneer to find something of our own, something that reflects who we are."

Parallel Planets: What musical influences do you share as a band?

Nathaniel Hoho: "Everybody in the band has vastly different musical tastes. I would say the things that we agree upon would be the classics: Beatles, MJ, Cody Simpson. We listened to a lot of Iron Maiden and Iggy Pop while making the new album." 

Parallel Planets: I hear a lot of different things in your sound, how would you translate your music into words for someone who hasn't heard it yet?

Nathaniel Hoho: "Tune out and hear me!"

Parallel Planets: The remixes in Mixtape Vol. 1 is a pretty cool idea. How did that come about? Do any of you have an affinity for EDM in any shape or form?

Nathaniel Hoho: "We have some friends that are DJs and EDM producers. We liked what they were doing and were really into the idea of collaborating with them and taking our songs in a new direction. Who doesn't like to dance?"

Parallel Planets: What other projects are you guys working on? What are the band's plans for the near future?

Nathaniel Hoho: "We have a new album we'll be releasing in early 2014. The album was produced by Gus Oberg, it was a lot of fun to make. We're excited to share it and as soon as it's released we'll be touring to support."

Parallel Planets: Mention three of your favorite things.

Nathaniel Hoho: "NYC nights that last till 7am, moments of inspiration, and out of body experiences."

In this planet that we're thriving in–

What is your power animal? "A Bison with eagle wings and lion claws."

Who is your alter-ego? "Sonny, the puppy from Purina Dog Chow commercial in 1992."

In an alternate universe where music does not exist

What will your name be? "Preston Savage."

What do you think would be you be doing instead? "Professional boxer."