Shapeshifter is the sound of drum and bass coming alive. While much of the genre is built in the sterile confines of a digital workstation, this New Zealand five-piece treats the 174 BPM template as a living, breathing organism. It is music that feels sun-drenched and expansive, characterized by rolling breakbeats that are actually played by a human drummer and basslines that carry the weight of Pacific dub culture.
What truly sets them apart is the 'heavy soul' element. The vocals are never just an afterthought or a looped sample; they are front-and-center, delivered with a gospel-like intensity that provides an emotional anchor to the high-speed rhythmic complexity. The inclusion of live saxophone and keys adds a layer of jazz-fusion sophistication, making their sound feel as much at home in a prestigious concert hall as it does on a muddy festival mainstage.
For the uninitiated, their work serves as the perfect bridge between organic band music and electronic dance culture. It is euphoric without being cheesy and technical without being cold. Start with their landmark albums to hear how they balance the aggressive 'tear-out' energy of drum and bass with the smooth, melodic sensibilities of liquid funk.
Shapeshifter (sometimes referred to as New Zealand Shapeshifter) are a live drum and bass act from New Zealand. They are known for their live shows and blend of heavy soul with drum and bass. They have made appearances at Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Big Day Out, Parklife plus sold-out performances across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Shares drum and bass, dub, soul (subgenres); live recording, hi fi, layered dense (production style)
Shares drum and bass, dub, jazz fusion (subgenres); live recording, hi fi, layered dense (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); hi fi, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); soulful, uplifting, energetic (moods)
Shares drum and bass, soul, jazz fusion (subgenres); hi fi, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); euphoric, energetic, uplifting (moods)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); energetic, uplifting, soulful (moods)
Shares drum and bass, jazz fusion (subgenres); live recording, hi fi, layered dense (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); belting, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); hi fi, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares liquid funk, soulful, uplifting, drum and bass (signature)
Shares liquid funk, soulful, uplifting, drum and bass (signature)
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