Shannon Entropy, like it’s namesake, is not easily defined. Just as Claude Shannon’s information theory, or entropy, is much more than a tendency of systems to move toward disorder, it feels dishonest to quickly categorize Shannon Entropy and move on with your day, kept comfortable by the illusion of understanding and simple categorization. Rather, when one puts on a pair of headphones and dives deep into Shannon Entropy’s intricately assembled soundscapes, a picture slowly starts to reveal itself – one that thankfully will remain incomplete and ever-evolving as this young band matures and continues to challenge itself. In the span of any one track, you are likely to discover soothing vocals, psychedelic pop phrases dripping with reverb, powerful rock instrumentation with a flare for the dramatic, groovable basslines, punchy percussion, and ultimately, a song that is more than the sum of its influences. Guitar parts from Jesse and Libby Hamlin often reflect the mathematical early days of Minus the Bear, the soaring drama of MUSE, and the effects-laden aesthetics of modern guitar-fueled psychedelic rock. The smooth, inviting quality of David Hickey’s vocals is reminiscent of the indie pop styling of Matt Mondanile (Real Estate and Ducktails). Hickey also provides traditional keys, massive synths, and strings to round out the band’s sound. Roman Beurmann offers form to each song with his driving bass lines and vital supportive low-end. Kevin Wilbanks sits the drums and provides punchy, technically proficient percussion to energize the band in explosive crescendos or draw the listener in with more skeletal breakdowns. As dark as it is light, as poppy as it is rocky, and as challenging as it is listenable, Shannon Entropy has tapped into a sound that, much like Claude Shannon’s heady information theory, is hard to pin down, and that’s the best part. When you peal off the headphones, you might realize you are less confident about what this band is and where they are going than when you started. All you are convinced of, is that you need to start again from the top. Formed in 2014 and immersed in the rich, competitive music scene of Portland, Oregon, Shannon Entropy is managing to make a name for itself by way of hard work. Practicing, writing, recording, and working toward concrete goals non-stop has culminated in their debut-effort, The Tamale EP. It enlists production from local legend Cameron Spies (Radiation City), and mastering from Adam Gonsalves (Telegraph Mastering), and the finished product has been described as “a study in musical dynamics” (Ryan J. Prado, Portland Mercury). Also, “a haunting, ethereal sound coupled with a strong intuition for songwriting that is absolutely fascinating to play on repeat” (Marissa Abruzzini, Tour Worthy). The Tamale EP is now available both digitally and as a special-edition cassette (limited to 200 copies). The EP can be purchased at live shows and shannonentropy.bandcamp.com. But The Tamale EP is just the beginning. Shannon Entropy’s first full-length release, Out There Ideas, will be released June 25th on all major platforms. Produced by Jordan Richter and recorded at Hallowed Halls and Room 13 Studios, Out There Ideas will be the band’s first major statement and a bold bid for wider recognition.