Shaping Portraits: polarities in Conversation

Song Review- the rain by newshapes

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: Lyana

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, ‘newshapes’ is a two-year-old band featuring lead vocalist Ian Mann, guitarist Stephen Christie, bassist Michael Hamilton, and drummer Logan Whyte. Their latest single, “the rain,” captures the  introspective struggles often found difficult to express—the conversation between one’s current self and their idealized version.

Signifying the start of a new chapter, the track explores the emotional turbulence between two opposing voices, fueled by the flames of frustration. Frontman Ian Mann sends a meaningful message derived from his personal struggles, framing them as two portraits of himself. The song culminates in a poignant plea, with Mann “beg[ging] for the rain to fall,” a cry for release from the feeling of helplessness. 

The polished production crafts a tune full of melodies that bring about soul-touching resonance with every verse and chorus, seamlessly incorporated with metalcore riffs and addictive beats. “the rain” brings out the band’s post-hardcore sound blended with hard-hitting notes of metal and rock; a powerful concoction with an equally powerful lyrical message of rekindling faith, a step towards better days ahead.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwrK2UGMrJA  

For fans of: True North, Further Within, Dayseeker

Check out newshapes and their single “the rain” here