Shield Patterns is the newly formed project of Manchester-based artist Claire Brentnall, whilst still in its infancy, shows a sophistication beyond these early days. Dusted with delicate vocals and rudimentary beats and loops, her music is wintry and fragile, and suffused with a strong emotional warmth. The songs are born in sporadic, cathartic bursts, with subtle poetry inseparably intertwined with spiralling piano phrases, tender strings, and hypnotic synth patterns. The understated sweetness of Brentnall’s voice is offset by dub-influenced bass-lines and restless beats, creating unexpectedly textural songs that are inherently minimalist, yet infectiously hummable.
The debut single from this highly promising artist is entitled ‘The Rule’ and is released by Gizeh Records on September 2nd, backed with a remix of the same song by Mercury Award winners Alt-J. Thom Sonny Green from the band kindly offered up his remix skills and so we are delighted to include this with the single. A further remix of the track by Thinnen is also included.
Video by Matt Taylor // mtaylorart.com
Debut single – out September 2nd 2013