Shapeshifter’s Masquerade – Black Market Research (Eurydice)

This is the is local mainstay’s debut album, filled with moody arena rock anthems that wouldn’t have been out of place on alternative rock radio last decade (with shades of Incubus and Dashboard Confessional). It sounds remarkable for a small band.  These guitars are massive and the songs sound ready for arenas already.  On top of that, they’re a friend of the station (they thank us in the liner notes of this album).  It’s too bad, because I’m not into this music.  It’s a genre I don’t really care to listen to on my own because I just don’t feel any energy here (despite the proud display of hearts on sleeves).  However, these guys play this card as well as anyone else.  Those who do like this kind of alt-rock may find a new favorite band here.

Nick Kline, 2/19/13