Labels: Otomo Recs
Review by: MH
Shonen Bat have churned out multiple releases since 2012 including splits with Ribka and, most notably, Ulises Lima. They’re from Malaga in Spain and play the kind of laidback and restrained indiemo that suggests an appreciation of Karate and The Van Pelt. This rides in with “Consider” and it’s typical of their sound with smooth vocals drifting along over a jangly guitar sound. Some of the tracks on here have noisier, grooving moments where they let loose like on “A Brand New Start” and “Wise Boy”. A little noisier at times than I’ve heard previously from these guys but it suits their sound well. At other times the guitar is more subdued and the drums and bass lead parts of some of the tracks like “The Alchemist”. The guitar sound often makes me think of Polaris and at other times I’m reminded of the unreleased Bird Calls LP. This is as good a time as any to check them out as I’d say this is their strongest release to date. How about that cover photo as well? Spectacular.