Shrimp Eyes Soar with Debut EP ‘Monochrome’: A Celebration of Witty Lyricism and DIY Spirit

2024 has been a stellar year for Shrimp Eyes. The band has released their biggest songs to date, including ‘Adventures,’ ‘Side Quest,’ ‘Sunshine/Shadow,’ and ‘Fiction,’ all gaining editorial support from Spotify’s Hot New Bands and Melomania, and Apple Music’s New In Alternative global playlist. Their music has also resonated with listeners on BBC Introducing in London, 6Music’s Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Chris Hawkins, and the 6Music Introducing Mixtape show, as well as R1’s Alyx Holcombe and Radio X’s John Kennedy.

Now, the band is thrilled to unveil their debut EP, ‘Monochrome,’ a six-track collection that highlights their unique songwriting and witty lyricism. From navigating the pressures of social interactions to introspective reflections on self-identity and moving past old memories, the EP captures the essence of four friends focused on making music in London while dealing with the realities of modern life.

The title track, ‘Monochrome,’ is their most ambitious song yet, tackling unsolicited advice to conform to formulaic songwriting and showcasing their renewed confidence in staying true to themselves. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists and literary figures, Shrimp Eyes continue to cement their reputation as one of the tightest live bands on the grassroots circuit, all while proudly maintaining their 100% DIY ethos. Don't miss their EP release party at Strongroom, Shoreditch on Thursday, July 11.

1. Congratulations on the release of your debut EP 'Monochrome'. Can you tell us about the  creative journey behind the EP and what inspired its unique sound? 

On reflection, it definitely was a journey! We had a bit of a lineup change just before we released  the first single ‘Adventures’, which was when Leila joined us. We were still working on and writing  many of the songs at that point, so I guess the EP became a bit of an exploration of that new  energy and dynamic that Leila brought to the band.  

Regarding the sound that’s never been a conscious decision for us, but I think it comes from us all  having very different music tastes. Everything we write is honed in the rehearsal room, so  everyone brings a bit of something different and we go with what feels right live. 

2. Your new single 'Monochrome' is described as your most ambitious song yet. What was the  inspiration behind the lyrics, and how does it reflect the band's current mindset? 

I think the current mindset of the band is one of excitement! We’d never worked towards an EP or  anything ‘official’ before, so have learned a lot. I think the ambition shines through from the  musical arrangement, there’s definitely a complexity to it comparison to other songs, it’s one that  really comes to life live! 

Lyrically it’s quite niche! But I wanted to write something about the importance of creating things  solely for yourself. It’s difficult not to be influenced by algorithms and feedback that you hear. I’m  a painter and I wanted to use as a metaphor the necessity of making something a little bit ugly at  times, maybe something a bit dark, dull or ‘Monochrome’. It’s hard not to be swayed by the knowledge of what might get you attention online, algorithms love bright shiny things and it can  breed a kind of homogeneity, but I’d rather be making something I enjoy in the moment, even if no  one else does. 

3. With influences ranging from King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard to Terry Pratchett, how do these  diverse inspirations shape your music and lyrical themes? 

I think as a group we definitely gravitate towards influences that don’t take themselves too  seriously (I’d say true to both those examples!) and I think that reflected in the lyrics and music.  Lyrically I enjoy walking that line between seriousness and levity. 

4. You've received significant support from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and BBC  Introducing. How has this exposure impacted the band's journey and growth? 

I don’t think it will ever get old hearing yourself on the radio! It’s such a buzz knowing the journey  that song has been on to get there. It’s the same getting editorial support with Spotify and Apple,  it just helps reach so many new people. Seeing the response we get via Shazam etc and knowing  that people are discovering your music through these avenues and then showing up to gigs is just  the best feeling. We are unbelievably grateful when it happens! 

5. As a 100% DIY band that writes, records, and produces everything yourselves, what are some  of the biggest challenges and rewards of maintaining this level of creative control? 

I think we enjoy having that level of control over the process, I don’t think we’d ever want to be  fully ‘hands off’ with recording and production - but it definitely has its difficulties too. In the past  at times we probably spent too long chasing ideas which weren’t quite right from the get go, and  should’ve been put to one side early on, its hard when you are totally in control to keep that level  of objectivity. That’s where it’s probably helpful having someone to say ‘NO’. The sense of reward  is in the fact that we’ve learnt so much along the way!