Shimmertraps Open a New, Psychedelic Chapter with “LOOK!”
by Emily Brower
Shimmertraps, the Washington based Lo-Fi dream pop band have been making their name in the music scene since their debut album “Ozius” in 2017. The group - consisting of Brodie Cole (synth, vocals and guitar), Zack Moses (vocals and drums), Kyle Menne (Bass), Ian MacPhee (guitar), and Justin Klipping (synth) - have spent the past two years mixing, recording, and producing their upcoming album “LOOK!” from their Bellingham living room. In addition to this, the group has newly signed with DIY label Spirit Goth Records in wake of the upcoming release.
Over an email interview, the band explain that: “The process for this album in particular was very different from our previous work, because we tried to make it as collaborative as we possibly could. We really wanted to focus on production and being a lot more ‘forward’ in areas than we have been before like with the vocals and the drums. We also held an open hand when it came to putting new genre and style ideas on the table.”
Shimmertraps' dynamic and sound has continued to evolve since their first album, and this is due in part to adding two new members, as well member Brodie Cole joining the songwriting process and focusing more on music theory. These changes encouraged the fusing of disco-focused rhythms with cosmic synth, and the group continues to experiment with this blending of genre by leaning more towards danceable grooves and pop ideals.
This advancement in sound is evident in their single, “Plume,” with their newly released music video being inspired by this evolving dynamic. The music video is entirely animated, and the band explained that the inspiration for this style of video arose after seeing Micah Buzan’s work for Nick Hakim's Roller Skates.
“Knowing that ‘LOOK!’ was conceptually about indulging in pleasant distractions, Micah seemed like a perfect fit for a chaotic and visually pleasing abstract video.” The culmination of trippy graphics juxtapose the calming energy of “Plume” in a way that makes you want to just sway along and get lost in the captivating rhythm. The lyrics, “Cast a glow / Overhead / Piece by piece / We peel apart,” hold onto a feeling of lovesick nostalgia and you’re transported to another world as you stare into the vibrant colors and designs on your screen.
On their songwriting style for this record, Shimmertraps describe the process as focused on building the songs rhythmically, before fully placing everything together. “Over the course of this record, a lot of the tones, synth sounds, and production was determined before even fully mapping out all the parts,” they say, reflecting their focus on production in this record.
“I think the end result is really just a product of us finally being comfortable. Being brutally honest with each other when we like or dislike something, and building off of it quickly.”
The music video for “Plume” is just the beginning for this new era of Shimmertraps and you can expect much more coming from them in the future. Their collective effort and honesty with each other's artistic visions is refreshing and has allowed their unique talents to mature.
“I think the end result is really just a product of us finally being comfortable. Being brutally honest with each other when we like or dislike something, and building off of it quickly.”