SHAPESHIFTER II - OUTBREAK

TAUK is a four-piece (guitar/bass/drums/keys) instrumental rock fusion group from Oyster Bay on Long Island, NY. I've been listening to their music since their first album in 2013, which was excellent. In the three studio albums since then (and a couple of EP's and live albums), they've only gotten better! I've rated all of their albums 4 stars and higher, and this latest offering "Shapeshifter II - Outbreak" may just be a 5...

They just have this consistent output of inventive, melodic, exciting songs that make you feel good, and all the while you're gushing in amazement at each member's musical chops. I saw them live in Buffalo in 2016 shortly after their "Sir Nebula" album came out, and they just tore down the joint with their energy. (By the way, they have another double-live album called "Headroom" that I don't see listed here yet on PA, and it's a great intro to their oeuvre up to 2015.)

I see some people comparing them to Umphrey's McGee, but there is less jamming here, and no vocals. Too bad there aren't many other album reviews here of this band. It's a real gem.