TAUK Releases SHAPESHIFTER II: OUTBREAK, Debut Animated Sci-Fi Video for 'Recreational Outrage'

TAUK release Shapeshifter II: Outbreak today, a free-flowing yet elaborately composed all-instrumental blend of progressive rock, hip-hop, & jazz that takes an exhilarating look at artificial intelligence and its potential to upend our world. Yesterday, Keyboard Magazine debuted the band's incredible, sci-fi, animated video for "Recreational Outrage".

Musically and visually, "Recreational Outrage" heads down the wormhole of "Blade Runner"/"Tron". The video's bold, futuristic imagery takes viewers on a dystopian trip, and shows the captivating evolution of the 'Shapeshifter' virus that began in TAUK's "Checkmate" video.

Discussing the video, guitarist Matt Jalbert stated, "'Recreational Outrage' has an aggressive energy throughout and director/animator Dugan Warmoth was able to capture that, creating an entire unique world. We get zipped around a lab where the 'Shapeshifter' has broken loose and taken control. It's an exciting ride that leads to this thing finally taking on it's next form."

Warmoth added, "The music for 'Recreational Outrage' took me on a journey, so I knew the animated video had to do the same. The song's fluid grooves and computer tones inspired me to create a piece that fused organic elements with A.I. I wanted to create a voyage for the viewer that showcased the listening experience."

Shapeshifter II: Outbreak embeds the sci-fi narrative into TAUK's most adventurous, emotionally expansive work to date. A continuation of their early-2018 EP, Shapeshifter I: Construct, the new album picks up where its predecessor's narrative thread left off, and broadens the band's sonic palette to include a vast spectrum of synth sounds and programmed effects.

In sculpting the album's intricate arrangements, TAUK called on such esteemed musicians as The Naughty Horns, Ghost-Note's Nate Werth (a percussionist who's also played with David Crosby, Q-Tip, and Snarky Puppy), and Juan Alderete (longtime bassist for Racer X and The Mars Volta). Shapeshifter II: Outbreak came to life in collaboration with TAUK's longtime cohort Robert Carranza-a Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer also known for his work The Mars Volta, Ozomatli, and Taj Mahal.

TAUK will play Meetings Of The Minds this weekend, and kick off their fall tour starting October 4, running through November 17.

Watch the "Recreational Outrage" video here: