Described by various critics as an ‘experimental pop rock’ outfit, Micachu and the Shapes are an eclectic bunch. Although there’s a world of difference between the two in sound, their ambition reminds me a bit of Siouxsie and the Banshees’ early days, when they were molding their own classic Bromley contingent punk rock sound into something weirder, like a fusion of punk/pop/hard rock/carnival jelly. There’s a bit of a clash between the instruments and their players, but they’re so wonderfully in sync with each others’ personalities, and that’s what makes it so fun to listen to. That clash surfaces not only in sound but in composition…these are stick close to the tried-and-true punk rock formula of short songs (many of them are under two minutes, if not shorter) and Whereas many bands like to play in harmony, Micachu cordially extends their middle fingers to any notions of what music is and should sound like. It’s a nice and refreshing twist on what I used to think pop rock should sound like. And Micachu (real name Mica Levi, who composes most of the music) ain’t no hack — she was trained at the Guildhall School of Music before deciding to go in this stranger, blatantly anti-conformist direction. You can hear her entire set on Red Bull Music Academy Radio.
