The Impossible Shapes were an American independent rock band originating from Bloomington, Indiana (originally formed in Indianapolis), active from 1998 until their dissolution in July 2009. Their music blended elements of indie rock, psychedelic rock, folk, and experimental pop.
Members
- Chris Barth – vocals, guitar
- Aaron Deer – organ, bass
- Mark Rice – drums
- Jason Groth – guitar (later member)
- Peter King – occasional contributions
Band members were also involved in several related projects, including Normanoak, The Horns of Happiness, Black Cow, John Wilkes Booze, Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., and The Coke Dares.
Record Labels
The group released material primarily through the independent label Secretly Canadian, as well as Recordhead and Mr. Whiggs.
Discography
- The Great Migration (2000)
- Laughter Fills Our Hollow Dome (2002)
- The Current (2002)
- Bless the Headless (2003)
- We Like It Wild (2003)
- Horus (2005)
- Tum (2006)
- The Impossible Shapes (self‑titled, 2008)
Career Highlights
- The band toured extensively across North America and Europe, sharing stages with acts such as Wilco, Guided by Voices, Interpol, Danielson Famile, and Jens Lekman.
- Their releases received coverage in publications including Spin, Magnet, and Skyscraper magazines.
Legacy
Following their retirement in 2009, the members continued to contribute to the indie music scene through various side projects and collaborations. The group's blend of lo‑fi psychedelia and folk‑inflected songwriting remains a noted example of early‑2000s Midwest independent rock.