Shapers to Drop New Single, Kick Off Tour

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 25, 2010 5:40PM

Shapers impressed us back in March with its debut album Little, Big, and now just eight months later, the local krautrock supergroup is ready to release a brand new 7-inch single. Due out November 16 on Whistler Records, the single actually includes two tracks: “Virginia Reel” and “Happy Birthday Polywog.” While the band is keeping “Happy Birthday Polywog” under wraps until the big day, they’ve released a video of “Virginia Reel” for your viewing pleasure. The song shares its name with a folk dance that originated in seventeenth century Scotland, but with its heavy bass, zesty percussion, and psychedelic aesthetic, the fast and loose track is better suited for some uninhibited, acid-induced flailing than a line dance. The 7-inch is available for pre-order right now through Whistler Records, where you can also snag yourself a free download of "Virginia Reel."

Also in November, Shapers will kick off their first official tour, making stops in five East Coast cities. But before heading off, they’ll play a show at Fireside Bowl tomorrow night, accompanying local acts The 1900s and Verma. If you can’t make it to tomorrow night’s show, don’t fret, because you can also catch Shapers when they return from their tour. Right after their last East Coast stop, the band will head straight back to Chicago for a show Monday, November 15 at the Empty Bottle, opening for Brooklyn new wavers Small Black and Class Actress. Shapers plan on releasing another full-length album this spring, so this is an opportune time to check them out before they take to hiding in the record studio over winter.

Shapers play Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 26 at Fireside Bowl, 2646 W Fullerton, 8:30 p.m., $8, 21+
And Monday, November 15 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9:30 p.m., $10, 21+