“Mallard” is the new single by Portland-based band Simple Shapes. The general classification here is Indie Rock, but that is actually a bit unfair to this music (but I do know it is so difficult to choose a genre for your own band for marketing purposes, especially if you’re “flirting” with several genres) as I have noticed that a lot of Indie bands are following the norm too much, and in that process some creativity is lost!
In the case of ‘Mallard’, I can hear elements of Yes, as well as some Beatles influences, in a soft and melodic guitar soundscape featuring fluffy synths and gentle harmonies atop a prog-ish drum beat. Then, it explodes into a more electric sound while the singer showcases their skill and range, especially when they sing right on their vocal break with ease.
The song is also quite diverse in its parts, featuring a serene middle 8, followed by a borderline screamo section (but without the eyeliner 😉 ) that takes us to the end of the song.
Very creative and very well executed! I’m looking forward to checking out their previous work as well!
Written by Spiros Maus
