Toronto, Ontario based Jazz Rock/Fusion/Post-Rock band Animatist have unveiled the first single, “Space Cadet” taken from their upcoming album, “Shapeshifter,” set for release on May 16, 2026.
Purchase and Stream “Space Cadet” via the Bandcamp player below:
Six tracks, zero vocals, zero compromises. “Shapeshifter” navigates the intersection of Progressive Rock, Math Rock, Jazz Fusion, and Post-Rock with the kind of effortless fluidity the title promises — a record that refuses to stay in one form for long. The tracklist alone maps the terrain: “Big Dick Space Society,” “Space Cadet,” “Earthbound,” “Forrest Blade the Shapeshifter,” “Dude 9 From Outer Space,” “The Ghost of Jim Carrey” — titles that carry a deadpan wit balanced against what sounds like serious instrumental ambition. Think the compositional complexity of early Soft Machine meeting the rhythmic precision of Don Caballero, filtered through a distinctly Canadian sensibility.
The record was written and produced entirely by Animatist, with engineering handled by Alex Fuchs and a mixing team split between Brent O’Toole and Patrick Perez, the latter also responsible for the digital master. Vinyl mastering was entrusted to William Blakeney, with artwork by AJ Wright. Tracking took place across three Toronto studios: Wychwood Sound (drums, bass, guitar), Annette Studios (saxophone), and Lost Tonic (percussion, synths, sax, guitars) — a production geography that already hints at the textural density layered throughout the album.
“Shapeshifter” is dedicated in loving memory of Colin Alexander Hinds.
Pre-Order “Shapeshifter” on Bandcamp: https://animatist.bandcamp.com/album/shapeshifter
Tracklist:
01. Big Dick Space Society
02. Space Cadet
03. Earthbound
04. Forrest Blade the Shapeshifter
05. Dude 9 From Outer Space
06. The Ghost of Jim Carrey