This #FeatureFriday we have some cool indie with Oblle and their 5 track EP Shapeshifter

From the opening instrumental track of “Shapeshifter” you’re not sure what you’re getting with Oblee. You could be thinking it’s going to be some lo-fi instrumental project and as great as that is it hides some great indie pop. It’s eclectic and feels like it has been thrown together but that would simplify what’s going on here. It’s a mood. The first time I listened I immediately started it again. It’s playful and has great ideas and a deep musicality.

The three songs on this album are fucking great. Sonically they work really well. The Cure light sprinkle of, “Song Number 5”, the dusty western/folk styled, “Flood” and the Jesus and Marychain inspired, “The Crystal Moon” leave me wanting to hear more. Dynamics are pinpoint accurate and the arrangements serve the songs really well. Vocals are right up my street. Everything is recorded and mixed to push the songs along. Nothing overstays it’s welcome, all choices are well implemented.

What I really appreciate is the confidence to buffer three great indie pop songs with two very cool instrumentals. It’s DIY but feels big without giving up it’s space. Melodically the lead vocals and backing vocals work really well together. Production is crunchy where it needs to be. The whole thing just works really well. There are three releases by Oblee on bandcamp and it’s worth the time to check them out, they are also available on streaming services.

Totally recommend this EP.

’ve always had a fascination with looping. It’s a technique that is about playing with repetition and building layers. Often the feeling I get from hearing it, is like a song is getting constructed right in front of me. Oblee blended his repetitions in such a subtle way, that it becomes hard to distinguish where they played through a song and where the looped parts are interspliced.

The feeling this evoked, was mostly one of momentum, pushing the music ever forward. There is a sensation of upbeat gentleness and heartfelt honesty to four of the five songs here. In combination with the drive behind them, this makes for a listening experience that’s nothing but pleasant and engaging.

The odd song out, is “Floor Song”where Oblee mixes up the approach. A piece that seems to have been achieved by scraping a stool across a floor set over a heavy drone. The effect this has, is an ominous and dark feeling that dissolves at the end where a recording accident is left in, prompting amusement of the artist and a bystander.

This again works with the generally light atmosphere of the album and is a surprising but welcome change of pace. Overall, I recommend giving this a listen. It’s short, but full of creativity and genuine emotion. It’s simply nice and sometimes that’s all music needs to be.

Florgoth

It’s a really good piece of indie pop/rock with a little Pink Floydish weirdness thrown in. I like it and look forward to hearing more from their catalog!

My favorite track from “Shapeshifter” is the final, and longest song, “Crystal Moon,” but I enjoyed all 5 tracks very much and really recommend just listening to the whole album straight through.

Aaron Smith

Check out the Untidy Eh! Playlist on Bandcamp includes our featured artists.

https://bandcamp.com/untidymusik/playlist/untidy-eh