The Oyster Bay, New York-bred rock-fusion four-piece, TAUK, debuted a new track "Premises" on Mar. 14 via SiriusXM's Jam On, and have announced a 2018 spring tour in support of their new EP Shapeshifter I: Construct out April 6. On the EP, TAUK tap into their singular chemistry to elevate and expand their all-instrumental blend of funk, hip-hop, progressive rock, and jazz and offer a hint of what is to come from a full length album this fall.
Shapeshifter I: Construct is the first chapter in a follow-up to TAUK's 2016 album Sir Nebula. The new EP employs a guided approach, steering their music into bold new directions. Revealing both their refined musicality and unbridled creativity, guitarist Matt Jalbert, bassist Charlie Dolan, keyboardist Alric “A.C.” Carter, and drummer Isaac Teel push into new sonic terrain and build entire worlds within each richly textured soundscape. The first single and a preorder for the EP will be available this Friday on all digital services and the band’s website, but can be previewed today here https://youtu.be/bU1yHV6V7QA.
While compositions are meticulously focused, TAUK also deliver the dynamic tension-and-release jams that have helped earn them a devoted following while drawing critical acclaim and developing a reputation as a masterful live act. Since the longtime friends formed TAUK, the band has shared stages with an impressive list of acts (including Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, Lettuce, and Robert Randolph) in addition to appearing at festivals like Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and The Allman Brothers’ Peach Music Festival.
As with their past releases, TAUK created Shapeshifter I in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Robert Carranza (The Mars Volta, Ozomatli, Jack Johnson, Taj Mahal). But in a departure from their previous work, the band has made the new EP and an upcoming full length album in one concentrated period inside an old house rather than moving between studios. The unique recording situation created a special atmosphere, which TAUK ultimately found hugely beneficial.
“Everything just happened so naturally this time around,” says Jalbert. “I can’t think of one moment where it felt like anything was forced. We were all just completely focused and in the same mindset, which made this an incredibly fun and smooth experience.”
Now, TAUK are preparing to hit the road again for a spring tour (see upcoming dates below, including a two-night stint at the Brooklyn Bowl and spots on the Boston Calling Music Festival and Sweetwater 420 Fest and EP Release shows in Ft Collins and Denver on 4/6 and 7).
