SHAPE OF WATER Expand Their Cinematic Universe with New Album Petrichor

August 4, 2025 rocknews

Manchester’s genre-defying rock outfit SHAPE OF WATER return with Petrichor, a bold and expansive update to their Salt & Mercury EP released earlier this July. Out this Friday, August 8, via self-release, the band’s third studio album is a 12-track deep dive into the emotional and sonic extremes of modern rock — theatrical, riff-heavy, and unapologetically cinematic.

A Band That Thrives on the Unexpected

Since their debut Great Illusions in 2020, SHAPE OF WATER have carved out a unique space in the UK rock scene. Their sophomore effort Amor Fati pushed boundaries with its philosophical undertones and sonic experimentation. Now, Petrichor sees the band fully embrace their identity: a fusion of glam, grit, and grandeur that recalls the theatricality of Queen, the edge of Muse, and the swagger of Palaye Royale.

Led by multi-instrumentalists Rox Capriotti and Luca De Falco, with session drummer Tom Monk rounding out the lineup, SHAPE OF WATER are known for their immersive live shows and cinematic flair. With Petrichor, they’ve distilled that energy into a record that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically polished.

Inside Petrichor

Mixed by Capriotti and mastered by Grant Berry, Petrichor is a dark, genre-blurring exploration of human relationships. From obsession and alienation to liberation and loss, the album dives deep into the psyche — and does so with style.

Highlights include:

“Out of Time” – A brooding, synth-heavy anthem that sets the tone for the album’s emotional arc. Its accompanying video adds visual weight to the track’s themes of urgency and disconnection.
“Last Goodbye” and “Letting You Go” – Glitzy, emotionally charged tracks that blend pop sensibility with rock gravitas.
“She Never Sleeps Alone” – A riff-driven powerhouse that channels the band’s heavier instincts.
“Diverged” and “Ukiyo” – Reserved, cinematic pieces that showcase SHAPE OF WATER’s ability to scale back without losing intensity.

The album’s sequencing — from the atmospheric opener “Intro” to the haunting closer “Ukiyo” — creates a cohesive journey that rewards full listens.

Full Track Listing – Petrichor (Out August 8, 2025)

Intro
Out of Time
Last Goodbye
NAKED
Salt & Mercury
Where I Belong
Letting You Go
Diverged
She Never Sleeps Alone
The Silence of the Lambs
Apertura
Ukiyo

Top 5 SHAPE OF WATER Tracks You Need to Hear

Scar (Great Illusions, 2020)
A haunting, piano-driven ballad that showcases the band’s emotional depth and cinematic instincts.
Russians (Single, 2024) A bold, synth-laced cover of Sting’s Cold War anthem. SHAPE OF WATER reimagines it with theatrical urgency and a plea for peace that resonates in today’s fractured world.
A Ghost in Manchester (Amor Fati, 2022)
A moody, atmospheric piece that blends storytelling with synth-laced melancholy. A fan favourite for good reason.
The World Is Calling Me (Great Illusions, 2020)
Anthemic and introspective, this track balances vulnerability with soaring instrumentation.
Don’t Leave Me in the Dark (Amor Fati, 2022)
A slow-burning, emotionally raw cut that builds to a powerful climax — perfect for late-night listening.

Rock News Verdict

Petrichor is an album that rewards the listener who sticks with it. While many of the songs hold up individually, the true experience lies in savouring the ambience and flow of the full track listing. If you’re a streaming jumper — hopping from one track or band to the next — you might miss the emotional arc and sonic cohesion that make this record special.

That said, the songs themselves are strong, and SHAPE OF WATER’s cinematic vision is fully realised here. The only drawback? Five of the twelve tracks were previously released on the Salt & Mercury EP, which slightly dulls the impact of the full-length release.

Rock News Score: 8/10 — Highly Recommended

Give it a listen, and tell us your thoughts in the comments.