Shield Patterns – Mirror Breathing (Gizeh Records)
LP / CD / DL
Out Now
9/10
Review by the Unarmed Bandit.
Review by the Unarmed Bandit.
Mirror Breathing is the third offering from Manchester-based
duo Shield Patterns. Their debut album, Contour Lines, was released by Gizeh
Records in 2014 and was followed up with an EP release last year. There is an
extremely organic feel to the entire album with some synth-led interludes which
leads to a highly enjoyable listen. Gorgeously haunting vocals and sensual
cello, clarinet and piano parts are all wrapped up in a synth and percussion
parcel delivering an ethereal experience.
It would be very easy to make a comparison to musicians like
Massive Attack but I feel this would be an injustice. The care taken with every
aspect of the songs leaves an indelible mark on the recording which could only
be Shield Patterns. Every track on the album has been immaculately manicured to
leave the listener in no doubt of its origin and the musicianship allows the
song to reach another level.
The stand out track for me is Blue Shutters which starts
with a series of clicks that pass from right to left, ending in a clap and
builds up to an amazingly complex sound. At one point, you have the clicks
(still passing from right to left), other-worldly vocals and a cello in one ear
and a clarinet in the other and you are constantly listening for where the next
sound is coming from. The result is mind-blowing but, to be honest, Mirror
Breathing is one of those albums that will get people talking, with everyone
having their own favourite track and their own reason for it.
Any of the tracks from the album could be used in film or TV
but I think to achieve the desired effect, playing the album in full is the way
to go. I would highly recommend listening to this album in an environment where
you are completely at ease, with no distractions and either with headphones on
or played through a surround sound system. It will be the best way to achieve
total sensory immersion, which is the perfect place to be with Shield Patterns.
I can’t wait for the next album.
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