Under the Radar: newshapes

Alternative rock quartet newshapes have embraced a heavier sound on their new EP, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon

Consisting of Ian Mann, Stephen Christie, Michael Hamilton and Logan Whyte, heavy alternative rock quartet newshapes have amassed millions of Spotify streams while touring extensively across the UK and Europe, alongside acts including Canadian nu-metal outfit Never Easy and US duo House of Protection. They’ve also earned support from Alyx Holcombe on BBC Radio 1 and KERRANG!

Signed to Manchester’s excellent LAB Records, home to fellow UTR favourites ONR, Dead Pony, VUKOVI, swim school, Vistas and Quiet Houses, the band released their latest EP, somehow i still believe, earlier this year.

Across its three tracks, the record embraces a heavier, more intense sound while exploring themes of loss and betrayal through the perspective of an individual struggling with a loss of faith.

Live, newshapes join Welsh quartet DREAM STATE next month for dates in Newcastle, Sheffield, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Wolverhampton, Brighton and Norwich, with a slot at The Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh on 4 November supporting Alien Ant Farm, see https://www.instagram.com/newshapesuk

Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see www.borntobewide.co.uk

Off Axis Tours CIC is a do-it-yourself social enterprise with the fairest financial model in live music. Emerging artists keep 100% of ticket profits, tour the UK and Ireland, via their unique gig-swap system, and perform on the Off Axis stage at events like Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, FOCUS Wales, Liverpool Sound City, Un-Convention (Manchester), Output (Belfast) and Aelius Alt Fest (Newcastle). Sign up https://offaxisgigs.com/