New York DIY alt duo Outer Shapes share latest EP Innerstate, an exploration of a troubled mind in the midst of a chaotic life, deep diving into themes of responsibility, mental health, troubled relationships and the long, endless road towards healing. Enveloped by their motto FEEL ALL YOUR FEELINGS, creating textured mirrors of their lives and troubles Innerstate takes the band mission to the next level, reckoning with questions straight of of their journals.
“Writing these songs was the only time I had to myself as I endured so many pains in my personal life. As this band grows, more and more people reach out to me to share the ways in which our music speaks to them on a spiritual level, and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with ‘Innerstate’ to continue our mission, unafraid to expose the bones of the deepest pains in our lives. We hope our listeners can wear these songs like a blanket, the comfort they need when they’re going through the worst of it”, Laura Shkouratoff.
The EP opens with “Aftermath” that lyricist Laura Shkouratoff wrote after a close loved one was admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric facility. “Get Lost” takes responsibility even further, a speedy synch chase, thick with vocal chops surrounding the fear of loss.
“No Bugs” brings a brief respite to the listener, a mock-pop song that fantasises an alternative reality where the duo makes happy songs instead of the introspection into the more difficult moments of life. “Nailbiter” lures listeners into a haunted house with its eerie falsetto and off-kilter synths. Closing the EP, “Enough” builds slowly into chaos, a departure from a toxic relationship and a perfect end to this body of work.
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