The Shape of Colour
Aaron Marshall gives the guitar a clear speaking voice on The Shape of Colour. The melodies are bright and direct, while the faster passages extend their character instead of simply interrupting them. Under the Intervals name, he creates instrumental music with enough rhythmic detail to remain interesting and enough melodic clarity to feel immediately welcoming.
I'm Awake opens with an energetic exchange between guitar, bass and drums. Cameron McLellan and Travis Orbin make the arrangement feel active from several directions, with the bass sometimes following the lead line and sometimes creating its own movement. Marshall's playing stays clear through those changes. The track is technically demanding, but its enthusiasm is easier to notice than its difficulty.
Sure Shot and Fable offer a lighter setting. The saxophone solo on Fable is particularly useful because its different tone expands the melodic conversation without changing the piece's underlying character. Sweet Tooth gives the bass and drums more room to push the movement, while Black Box introduces a firmer heavy guitar attack. The contrast gives the album a useful shape, preventing the brighter melodies from becoming the only source of interest. The production keeps the parts distinct and lets the rhythm section retain its physical presence.
Slight of Hand develops a longer structure, moving between heavier passages and more fluid lead playing. The guest solo from Nick Johnston fits naturally into that design, adding another phrasing style without breaking the flow. Meridian combines several of the record's approaches in a more expansive arrangement, and Libra closes with another smooth guitar exchange, including Plini's contribution. Some of the melodic gestures are familiar, and the consistent upbeat character leaves less room for uncertainty or surprise. The record works best when the rhythm section adds friction to that confidence. Its appeal comes from the balance: the guitar supplies a memorable line, the ensemble keeps it moving, and the strongest pieces make their technical detail feel like part of an enjoyable conversation.
