Canada's electro-pop quartet Young Galaxy use synth beats and 80s vocals to produce their newest effort,
Shapeshifting, from Paper Bag Records out February 8. Using unconventional instruments like the steel drum in "Cover Your Tracks," the band creates a well-rounded, fun album.
Lead vocalist Catherine McCandless's voice is powerful and deep, even a little overwhelming at first. The richness and tone against the light airy electro-beats at first seems like an undesirable combination, but quickly meshes into a dreamy pair. Think of a less haunting Fever Ray; McCandless's voice even resembles a baritone version of Karin Dreijer Andersson. Hmm, could it have anything to do with the fact this album was recorded in Sweden?
There are definitely some stand-out tracks on this release. Accompanied by a critically acclaimed cartoon video, "We Have Everything," is the feel good track of
Shapeshifting. And as the album's anthem of sorts, "We Have Everything" showcases the band's electronic backbone used consistently, overtly or subtly, throughout the album.
As their third full-length album, Young Galaxy has grown into their own and
Shapeshifting has surpassed modernization of their sound; it's headed straight for the future of indie rock. Indeed, their debut self-titled album, released in 2007, was mellow and lacked the richness that makes
Shapeshifting so enticing.