Album Reviews

Album Review: Micachu & The Shapes – Jewellery (Rough Trade)

By | Published on Monday 9 March 2009

Micachu And The Shapes

There are a plethora of interesting solo female acts at the moment and Micachu and her band The Shapes will undoubtedly be lumped in along with all the others. The singer and multi-instrumentalist, real name Mica Levis, is that rare thing in music – someone who sounds like nobody else. This is in no small part due to her wide range of influences, she’s a classically trained musician, has composed for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has compiled grime mix tapes and is currently touring with Late Of The Pier who share her “everything but the kitchen sink” approach to music. The 21 year old east Londoner produces arty experimental DIY pop and even makes her own instruments. Her album explores multiple genres, using unpredictable rhythms, androgynous vocals and some very strange sounds. ‘Golden Phone’ uses a loop of her breathing while ‘Turn Me Well’ uses a vacuum cleaner. Among the delights are the jolly whirring and wackiness of ‘Vulture’ and the shuffling rhythms of ‘Just In Case’. Produced by Björk collaborator Matthew Herbert this is an unusual and eccentric album and makes for a fun listen. JW

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