Bent Shapes - Wolves of Want (2016)

Scene reports. Regional styles. It all seems charmingly antiquated these days, given how social networking cross-pollination has transcended space and time. But with a hyperliterate, tightly wound, and irreverent brand of post-collegiate rock, Bent Shapes may just be the most quintessentially Boston band in recent memory. 2013's 'Feels Weird' (Father/Daughter Records) offered a glimpse at the discomfort and desperation of youth, with self-reflections on personal growth and decay. Over a year of critical acclaim from outlets as diverse as Maximum Rock 'n' Roll and Pitchfork, a tour with John Vanderslice, and shows with Fucked Up, Ted Leo, and The Bats followed, culminating with the addition of guitarist Luke Brandfon and bassist Jenny Mudarri. Bent Shapes spent early 2015 recording 'Wolves of Want' with Elio DeLuca (Titus Andronicus), although Potrykus and Sadoway began writing what would become their second album long before 'Feels Weird' was even released. Thematically, 'Wolves of Want' is an album full of meditations on mental illness, the struggle to bring goodness into the world, and faith in humanity as a renewable resource. These themes are particularly personal to Potrykus who was diagnosed with multiple anxiety disorders after experiencing acute symptoms on-and-off for years. "Writing about it was cathartic for me, as well - documenting how I was feeling gave me a way of contextualizing a personal crisis that made it seem like something I could overcome," explains Potrykus 'Wolves of Want' is a taut, expertly-written album that is at once personal and universal, reinvigorating indie rock with fresh relevance.