Fixtures

During the months of the pandemic when playing live wasn’t an option for bands, Seattle post-hardcore trio, Fixtures—Jeff Bartlett (bass), Matt Maisano (drums), Kyle Shaffer (guitar/vocals)—had the clever idea to film a “concert” of a recording session at a notable local studio. In doing so, they were able to kill a few birds with one stone, so to speak: they could offer fans a “live” performance, woodshed some new material and finally put together a live release, featuring both new tracks (“All Gone Dark” and “Push Pull”) as well as a couple tunes from their self-released debut, Life in Retreat (“In the Face Of” and “Never Rest”). This is how they came to create Live at Robert Lang Studios. - Decibel Magazine

Conceived, like so many other musical endeavors, as a recording project during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fixtures could have simply provided a way to pass the time for songwriter and guitarist Kyle Shaffer before petering out.

What actually happened is more interesting. As Shaffer began posting musical snippets online as a way to cope with his isolation, the songs on Life In Retreat eventually found their way to the ears of drummer Cesar Salmeron and bassist Jeff Bartlett.

Both musicians proved to be quick studies, learning the knotty, angular songs and providing their own character and perspective in the process. Despite the contrary momentum of the world, a band had been born. The trio’s debut, Life In Retreat, puts emphasis on the instrumentation and odd song structures, capturing restlessness and tension throughout. - New Noise Magazine

Seattle post-hardcore band Fixtures is keeping alive the sort of throaty, rough-around-the-edges post-hardcore popularized by groups like Hot Water Music, Small Brown Bike, and The Casket Lottery. Their debut LP Life in Retreat, released in April, is one of the best takes on the style in recent memory. I spoke to vocalist/guitarist Kyle Schaffer about forming a band during a pandemic, influences on the band, and what to expect in the future from Fixtures. - The Alternative