EP REVIEW: Human Shape/Color Shades – Future Exes

From Lille, France, we have FUTURES EXES and their debut EP Human Shape/Color Shades. The band itself is made up of members of OBSOLETE RADIO, SCRTCH and VAUTOURS, all of which are rock/hardcore bands that came out of the local scene, with this latest project being described as an escape into 90s indie rock. Listening the EP itself, you’d find it almost hard to believe that this is only a debut but given the shared years of experience between members it’s no wonder that this EP is as solid as it is.

Opening with Stand Still, listeners should immediately hear the 90s influence with the use of distorted grunge guitar paired with upbeat drums and nostalgic vocals. The song itself sounds like it could easily slot into the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film, more specifically during a montage as the main character goes through a personal transformation. Other things to note are the harmonies, the psychedelic vibe with the droning guitar in the background, and the final minute where everything slows down to become acoustic. One song in and the band have already impressed.

Next up is Never Bored Valley, which features the same distorted production at the start, only this time becoming something a lot more upbeat. It has elements that, once again, confirms their 90s rock influence, more specifically reminiscent of RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS with the catchy hooks and anthemic lyrics, while also perhaps bringing to mind a band like THE USED at points. Unshoeable then sees a return to grunge guitar alongside a catchy bassline. Weirdly enough, the fun and upbeat nature of this song feels heavily reminiscent of the college rock radio featured in The Sims 2 University expansion. Listen to it and you’ll understand!

And finally, there is the concluding track I Lost My Phone, a rough acoustic song that sounds like a raw performance where the band recorded it in one take given its unpolished style. There are also blues-rock vibes that you find easy to sway along to and just as over-dramatic when it comes to losing your phone. But hey, given that our entire lives are on there, maybe you’re right to be. This EP is only four songs long, and yet it feels like it explores so much given how each track has its own unique style. Frankly, FUTURE EXES have created something that sounds so cool, and we can’t wait to hear more.

Rating: 9/10

Human Shape/Color Shades is out now via Gluttony Records.

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