Lucy Fitzgerald 
“Deuscape” is a mesmerizing and deeply evocative release from the Milanese duo Shapemess, who blend the precision of electronic soundscapes with the emotional core of live instrumentation. The project stands as a sonic interpretation of the science fiction universe of Millemondi di Urania, translating its nine stories into vivid musical form. Each composition feels alive—mechanical yet human—bridging the gap between dystopian atmospheres and melodic warmth.
From the very first track, “Grey Sunset”, listeners are introduced to a layered world of distorted synths and trembling drones that seem to hum with the pulse of forgotten machinery. The duo’s jazz influence, inspired by legends like Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett, glimmers through in moments where piano lines surface from the haze, clearing the “acoustic dust” with soulful intention. The interplay between noise and melody is deliberate and emotionally charged, crafting a cinematic experience that draws listeners inward.
Tracks like “Cardanica” and “Formaldeide” paint the sound of steel corridors and interstellar silence, while “Still Forward” offers a delicate resilience—a moment of calm resistance amid the chaos. The production, while experimental, carries an organic heart that recalls Vangelis and Boards of Canada, yet never feels derivative. Shapemess’s ability to evoke both nostalgia and futuristic unease is one of their most compelling strengths.
Personally, I found “Deuscape” to be one of the rare albums that makes technology sound emotional. It feels as if every note has been crafted with the intention of humanizing the mechanical, reminding us that even in synthetic spaces, emotion persists. It’s an album that stays with you long after the final note fades.
In another sense, I was genuinely impressed by how the record strikes a balance between intellect and soul. It’s atmospheric yet purposeful, each track like a story unfolding in the static between frequencies. The piano isn’t merely an instrument here—it’s the beating heart that keeps the machines alive.
Listeners will notice a haunting beauty in how the duo constructs “post-dystopian landscapes,” where even the harshest sounds have a strange tenderness. The music feels cinematic, like an unseen film playing behind your eyes, with moments of tension, melancholy, and hope intertwined.
For anyone exploring fresh and thought-provoking sound design, Deuscape is a must-listen. Shapemess has created something immersive and emotionally resonant—a reminder that art and imagination can thrive even amid the ruins of technology. Make sure to follow Shapemess on their social platforms, stream the album on Spotify or Bandcamp, and add these tracks to your personal playlists. Let “Deuscape” accompany your late-night thoughts and quiet reflections—it deserves a place in your sonic universe.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
