Shields are a Newcastle-based 5-piece band building a reputation for innovative alt-pop instrumentation, delicate harmonies, “pin-point precision, and sledgehammer energy” (Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music). Shields have crafted a reputation for stunning live performances, honed by early tour support slots with the likes of Placebo, Walk The Moon and Everything Everything and appearances at BBC 6Music Festival and Glastonbury.
‘Mezzanine’, the lead track from their first EP, was selected by iTunes and Spotify as ‘single of the week’ and was featured in The Guardian’s New Music column, with Michael Cragg describing it as “a big clomping synth spectacular that’s reminiscent of a sunnier Everything Everything.” Shields’ early releases caught the eye of double-Grammy award winning producer Adrian Bushby who worked with them to complete their debut album ‘How Can We Fix This?’ (Feb. 2016). The album received widespread critical acclaim, with The Guardian’s Paul Lester tipping it as debut album of the year and offering the following assessment:
“How Can We Fix This? is so full of murderously infectious, polished pop, it will make you a) wonder why they didn’t feature in any of the recent ones-to-watch polls but also b) ecstatic that music can still surprise… Shields may single-handedly extend the lifespan of the traditional indie band… The whole album plays like one long (musical, existential) affirmation.”
Recommend if you like: Metronomy, Everything Everything, Foals, Zoot Woman
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OTHER PRESS QUOTES ABOUT SHIELDS:
“How Can We Fix This? joins the dots between iconic British art-pop – Prefab Sprout, Maximo Park, Clor – and the complex electro-pop of Wild Beasts and Everything Everything. Trebly guitar, multilayered backing vocals, bassy propulsion, shimmering synths: Shields take them all to arrive at something both profound and beautiful.” (Sunday Times)
“[T]here probably won’t be another album released this year that is as easy to love as ‘How Can We Fix This?’ It bursts with energy, bristles with confidence and embeds even its subtlest melodies firmly in your cerebrum.” (God Is In The TV)
“Shields blew my socks off… [a] tight, beautiful, powerful sound with perfectly honed vocals… Songs which took you on journeys… Huge energy… Huge commitment… A superb live band at the top of their game… pin-sharp precision and sledgehammer energy.” (Tom Robinson, BBC 6Music)