Fourth studio album from Seattle singer/songwriter Perfume Genius. Shifting between intimate ballads and giant wall-of-sound crescendos, sometimes in the same track (opener “Other Side”), No Shape displays Mike Hadreas’ incredible range as a singer and multi-instrumentalist. His intimate delivery and baroque chord progressions often recall the subtler moments of Radiohead’s The Bends and OK Computer. As always, Hadreas goes it alone, apart from a duet with the wonderful Weyes Blood on arty ballet number “Sides”. Other highlights include tense & cinematic “Choir”, the muffled pop slow-ride of “Just Like Love” and downtempo R&B ballad ”Die 4 U”. Expertly produced by Blake Mills (Jim James, Fiona Apple, John Legend), with glistening arrangements nodding to classical, new wave, trip-hop, country, rockabilly and more; the tracks are pristine and Hadreas’ songwriting is more on point than ever before.

• clear double vinyl pressing
• embossed gatefold sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Matador 2017

reviewed by dj winyl destination 05/2017