Shaw

Add Date: February 2

Artist: Shaw

Album: Pretending We're Not Animals

Label: Swordfish

Genre: Rock/Pop

Comments: The first few seconds of Pretending We're Not Animals prompted me to think "Oh no, not another production-heavy guitarist with a drum machine." But rest-assured the rest of the album disproved these worries. In fact, part of the appeal of the album is that Shaw Walters pulls off what many others have tried so well. Mr. Walters' began as a producer before venturing off to write and self-produce his own beast of sorts.

The songs are full of layered synths, huge drum machines (that are far from being overdone as they often can be), interesting rhythms and powerful melodies. The producer-turned-musician certainly keeps technology on his side with a range of effective and appropriate effects on the many layers that fill these songs. These vocal melodies serve as the focal point of the album's hooks and ring similar to the singing of Doug Martsch (of Built to Spill) or Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie). Shaw's lyrics are insightful and poetic, giving imagery and metaphors worth cringing, smiling, crying and/or laughing over. Even the album artwork is put-it-up-in-your-room-poster-worthy. Wrapping things up with just 5 tracks, and one cover thrown in there, I am personally looking forward to more of Shaw in the future. Start with tracks 1, 2, and 4.