Shields - Masters Of The Universe

1.    Who are they?

Shields are an alternative pop band from the mean streets of Newcastle, England. They have one long player How Do We Fix This? (Feb'16) on their resume and Masters Of The Universe is the B-side of the album single Alive (Jan'16).


2. What kind of wonderful is Masters Of The Universe?

Guitars blaze, giant post-punk bass bubbles incessantly, pop harmonies elevate the bridge and it all coalesces in an explosive, sweet sour chorus; pop rarely dabbles so widely and successfully. Masters Of The Universe is a pop stomper that lives up to the title. Killer.


3. Who are Shields similar to?

Those bastions of all thats proper, The Guardian, are on the ball, comparing Shields to Maximo Park and The Futureheads. Vulturehound were feeling Franz Ferdinand.

 
4. No one is listening to Masters Of The Universe so what have the press said about the album?

“Shields rescue indie on debut” – Subba Cultcha.

“Murderously infectious, polished pop” – The Guardian.

“A cocktail of the most joyous celebration imaginable” – God Is In The TVzine.
 

 

5. Which bands have inspired this glorious melange?

Some of the bands influences are Everything Everything, Arcade Fire, Battles, Led Zeppelin and The Beach Boys.


6. Why should I press play on Masters Of The Universe?

Bands often put a tune they love, but aren't sure will get a popular reception, as a B-side. Masters Of The Universe is Shields flexing hidden muscles. Brilliant.


7. Do Shields have any more bangers?

Surely. Alive is an indie pop beast about following your dream and Mezzanine is the hit and absolutely delicious.


8. Any more words bubs?

How Do We Fix This? was produced by Adrian Bushby who has punched in for Muse, The Foo Fighters, Feeder, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Subways and more.

In 2015 Shields fluffed for Everything Everything and Placebo.

Masters Of The Universe was featured by Jonathan Hunt's Indie Rock Playlist (March'16).

 

“I’m watching you, you little creep”

 

 

 

Bad Books are an indie folk rock band from Atlanta and Brooklyn. Members of Machester Orchestra have teamed up with Kevin Devine in this side-project since 2010. The band have two long players to their name and Forest Whitaker was the lead single to ramble off the second II (2012). More rock than folk, Forest Whitaker is pretty catchy and amusing.

 

“You started a band,

that was cool for awhile then it turned pretty bland