I’m OK Hating Everyone… sans Shapes

Shapes are one of those bands where shock and awe is the status quo. Witnessing lead singer Fanelli hang upside down thirty feet above the crowd in fishnet stocking while signing is just one example of the sheer entertainment value of Shapes. However, unlike their counterparts who fall flat with shit music and offstage personalities comparable to… myself, Fanelli and crew are undeniably PUNK. What impresses me most about Shapes is the music itself. Rather than focus on power chords and speedy songs, Shapes bring a subtle indie element with complex guitar parts, occasional verse chorus verse structures and sweet female vocals. Shapes are one of those elite bands that can control the tone of the crowd based on the setlist, effortlessly bringing the audience from and all out mosh pit down to a head nod toe tap and back.

Shapes video for “I’m OK” exemplifies the band’s ability to take the audience on a odd journey much like the live show. From drug use before noon, driving under the influence and a lover’s vengeful murder all in the first person, to an acoustic breakdown at the end where said lovers enjoy the sunset together. The undertones are a bit difficult to navigate, so hopefully we will update this post with a message from the band. In the meantime enjoy the video and continue to hate everyone.

Against Me! New Album in June!

Against Me! have a new album coming out June 8th!

The band teamed up with legendary producer Butch Vig once again for “White Çrosses”

I can say without hesitation that Against Me! kick more ass live then most other bands out there today. Every show I have ever attended was just a lesson in sweaty, angry, passi0nate, no-holds barred punk-rock with a purpose.

The band have never been afraid to speak their mind on the politics of the world…

(“From Her Lips to God’s Ears” -Democratic election under Marshall law./An Iraqi president out of control of our choices.After all this death and destruction/Do you really think your actions advocate freedom. / The presidents giving a speech in Georgetown/To remember the voice of a slain civil rights leader,/ Do you understand what the martyrs stood for?/ Oh Condoleeza do you get the fucking joke?”)

…and the music industry.

(“Piss & Vinegar”-I’ve heard the hype about your band, Ive seen your video playing on the TV./ Publicity photos in magazines, no none of it makes me feel anything. /I would be lying to you if I did not say something. /That would make me feel like a politician. /A middle of the road opinion that no one finds offensive or challenging.I’m not interested. /The stage is not a pedestal…”)

But that’s not to say it’s all politics with Against Me! With songs like “Born on the FM Waves of The Heart” Against Me! (with a little help from Tegan Quin of Tegan & Sara) show that they can sing about love and loss of love as well. If you ask me, this is the modern, pill-popping punk rock version of “Summer Nights’” (yes I did bust out a “Grease” reference…whatever, you know you all like “Grease”

Of course I would not feel right without adding a vid of one of their older songs.

This is from 2003s “As the Eternal Cowboy”

PS this is one of my favorite song titles of all time,

“Turn Those Clapping Hands Into Angry Balled Fists”:

New “White Crosses” album pre-order and more info here:

http://www.againstme.net