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

 

Shields - Alive

 

 

 

1. Who are these charismatic characters?

Shields come from the grim Geordie streets of Newcastle, England. Alive (Jan’16) comes springing off the indie pop band’s debut long player How Can We Fix This? (Feb’16).

2. What kind of tune is Alive?

A sprightly indie pop song with soaring vocals that fly above a lively drum track 90's indie style with modest input from the synths and able assistance from the guitars. Nice. It wouldn't offend the vicar if you had him over for tea and biscuits. It grows on you with repeated listens, to be fair, but the message is life affirming! If you need that.

3. Who do they Shields sound like?

Alive minds of a sugary I'm From Barcelona's Violins on account of the vocals and even The Rotaries Town Light, a New York band true, but that tune has a Northern English sound.

Shields have been mentioned as having similarities to the likes of The Futureheads, Maximo Park, Everything Everything, Zoot Woman and Friendly Fire by The Guardian.

4. What do the press have to say?

Louder Than War were enthusiastic calling Alive, “a real alt-pop gem,” with “an incredibly catchy guitar hook,” and gushed that the band are “on the cusp of something great.” Consequence of Sound were brief “a bouncy number.” Never Enough Notes highlighted the “bright alt-pop sound” and Killer Pony Tail were effusive big upping the tunes, “rhythmic acrobatics, interweaving guitar work and harmonies,” and taking note of “a pretty positive underlying message of the importance of striving for your goals in the face of adversity.” 

On the topic of the new album How Can We Fix This? the good word was provided by The Guardian who pronounced it,“Slick, soaring electropop with a candy coating designed to give you a sugar high,” and “casually adept, fast yet funkily sublime.” Not content they summarised that the debut long player as, “Full of murderously effective, polished pop.”

 

5. Who are Shields influenced by?

Bands that put the shine in their light are Everything Everything, Tune-Yards and The Dirty Projectors. They have admitted to listening to Field Music, Radiohead, Givers, Beach House, Battles, Elbow, Pink Floyd and Arcade Fire. Shields have confessed to having some love for Led Zeppelin, Yes, The Beach Boys and The Police.
 

6. Why should I listen to Alive?

A universal message of fighting the man resonants in the heart of every indie beast. I mean straining to attain your dreams. Sweet indie pop that wouldn't have sounded out of place in the 90's English indie pop catalogue but also bridges across from that to sunshine drenched optimism of west coast American synth pop.

7. Do Shields have any other good tunes?

Their big hit, and worthy of the status, is Mezzanine. Next best, and with a little ska-esque guitar, is All I Know. After that you have got the controls.

8. Anything else?

Indeed. How Do We Fix This? was produced by Adrian Bushby who has done grind for Muse, Foo Fighters, My Bloody Valentine and Everything Everything.

The bands videos for Mezzanine and Alive got a lot of press attention.
 

“It’s more than words alone convey,
It’s more to me than you can see,
It’s bigger than the world to me”

 

 

The dodgy double dip is courtesy of Shield’s musical influences today. This is Ice Cream (2011) by the experimental New York rock band Battles.