I am a huge fan of the saying “beauty in simplicity” in respects to music. Whether it is lyrics, arrangement, instrumentation, etc. Bands like The Thermals or Spoon have captures this art quite well in the world of indie/punk music. Unfortunately for Michachu and The Shapes, they have quite a long way to go to learn this concept. “Jewellery,” their latest album, plays like an act in a high school battle of the bands.

“Lips,” at only a minute and twenty seconds long, is actually too long. One simple yet annoying guitar riff, a couple kick drums and snare snaps, and an angst-filled “punk rocker” voice later, and you wonder why you put the album in your cd player. “Golden Phone” is even more of a trainwreck, trying to add an electronic drum kit as if to say show their “range…” or lack thereof. The only decent track on the album is “Turn Me Well,” because it shows some hint of musical intelligence and conceptual imagery for a well rounded tune…similar to some of The Robot Ate Me’s more experimental songs.

I try to find the good in everything…every song, every album, band, and so on. Sadly, I couldn’t in the majority of this album. Some will like it: there is always a fan base for bands like these, but I would suggest skipping this one out, saying “better luck next time,” and hoping they mature by their next release.

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