High Flyin' Kid Stuff

Like Lush, Shallow is an alternative rock outfit that thrives on contrasts. This isn't to say that the two sound very much alike — Shallow, in fact, has a very identifiable sound all its own. But the bands do parallel each other in their ability to unite disparate elements into a surprisingly cohesive whole. In the capable hands of these Kansas residents, combining ethereal melodies with abstraction and dissonant guitars with light and soft vocals doesn't seem like a contradiction, but comes across as quite natural. The waifish, girlish singing of lead vocalist Julie Shields proves that she doesn't have a great range by any means — and yet, she's expressive, oddly appealing and quite appropriate for Shallow's ambient, spacy melodies and harmonies. Clearly, Shallow isn't afraid to take risks, and most of the time, they pay off handsomely.