Montreal four-piece of Shapes introduce themselves with ‘Mantis’, the first single from their forthcoming self-titled EP. Formed earlier this year, the band draw inspiration from the darker corners of post-punk and goth rock, channelling the influence of Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Killing Joke and their contemporaries. Recorded at Montreal’s Gamma Studio, ‘Mantis’ offers a brooding introduction to a band firmly embracing their gothic influences.
Opening with heavily distorted guitars, the track gradually introduces those familiar, atmospheric guitar textures associated with classic goth rock. A rigid, almost mechanical drumbeat establishes a relentless momentum, while the driving bassline becomes more noticeable as the song progresses. Melissa Charbonneau’s vocals are particularly striking, shifting from the snarling, confrontational delivery of Amyl and the Sniffers’ Amy Taylor in the verses to something more melodic and theatrical in the chorus, recalling Siouxsie Sioux.
There’s little attempt to disguise the band’s influences, but ‘Mantis’ wears them confidently. Its combination of brooding atmosphere, distorted guitars and commanding vocals would sit comfortably alongside the classics on any goth rock or post-punk playlist. For a debut single, it’s a convincing introduction to the darker world of of Shapes.
