Category Archives: Album Review

Album Release, Album Review, New Music

Amaru Tribe Album

Amaru Tribe have released their debut self titled LP. Emerging from their trans-oceanic journeys the six piece gathered by the laws of creative gravity in the city of Melbourne to resonate with a new sound vision. In the Quechua language of the Andes, Amaru means “a serpent which connects the spiritual and the subterranean world”. The album is produced by Oscar Jimenez aka Chibcha (Watussi, Madre Monte, Miss Colombia) and Amaru Tribe. Its unique energy showcases collaborations with artists from all around the world including Tonolec (Argentina), QVLN (USA), Stuart Fergie from OKA (Australia) and more. Their strong musical heritage imbues their compositions, which explore electronics fused with tribal instrumentation, uniting South America and Oceania into one musical vibration. Amaru Tribe calls this style Oceanic Cumbia or in spanish: Cumbia Oceanica, which gives the name to their first track in the album and introduction to their sound.
Rich in textures and overflowing with delicious spicy flavours blending with Amazonic drums, vibrating charangos and powerful vocal harmonies. Amaru Tribe have created a sound that is opulent and almost soul fulfilling. Heavenly melodies and dance along rhythms keep the party flowing throughout the album while radiating sunny vibes. With warm mellow tones on guitar and body moving grooves this album is perfect for BBQS in the sun. With songs connected to topics of social change, ancestral wisdom, love and life, its affluent and full of substance. The album’s bilingual nature allows the listener to discover connections between Australia’s diverse cultural backgrounds and it consolidates its place in a new global identity while also being fun to dance to.
Stream the Amaru Tribe LP below


Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Raise ‘Chasing Time’ Album

The Raise are a three piece British rock band who are set to release their newest album ‘Chasing Time’ on the 22nd of April. Comprised of band members Rob Elton (guitars and lead vocals), Nick Gunn (bass guitar, guitar and backing vocals), and Nige Masters (drums, percussion and backing vocals). For a small band of only three members, ‘The Raise’ certainly create a big sound. The album features melodic songs, lush vocal harmonies, and massive  guitar riffs. ‘Chasing Time’ was written, performed, recorded, engineered and produced by the band themselves and throughout the recording process their aim was to keep the tracks as close to the live version as possible.

From the hefty riff driven start of ‘Inside’ The Raise display their slick beefy and sultry smooth rock. Featuring punchy drums and nimble shredding wailing guitar solos teamed with brawny flexible bass these guys create catchy tunes that pack a mighty punch. Each track flows effortlessly into the next from slower tempo ‘Live The Dream’ to steamy ‘Reel To Reel’. Packed with catchy chorus’ and trippy flashes of distortion glimmering in and out between mighty rhythm and sensual riffs The Raise add hints of diversity amongst their catalog. Loaded with proficient guitar work each track boasts their skills of refined riff and lick creations. The swagger infused ‘Rock Her World’ displays their funky side soaked in anthemic might while holding a sensual groove. ‘The Game’ takes the roll of the slow jam, emotional and soft yet backed by a mighty raw chorus and bright jingle on guitar. ‘Take Me If You Dare’ closes the album with headbang worthy might that’s mosh pit ready.  The Raise have created a solid album with hints of fluctuating musical hues that are compelling.

When asked about the album the band said:

“The album was influenced by the concept of our constant search for more time and freedom to do the things we really love to do. “The Raise is a project that allows us to play the music we love and say what we want to say about this crazy world we live in.”

‘Chasing Time’  is set to be released on 22nd April 2017 and will be available via all major media providers. More information about The Raise can be found via their social media pages or official website here http://www.theraise.co.uk/

 

 

 


Album Release, Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Second Hand Spaceman ‘Blast Off’ Album

 

Electronic Producer Second Hand Spaceman is set to release  his debut album ‘Blast Off’ on 28th April with 100% of Pre-Order sales being donated to the World Land Trust to help them with their vital rainforest conservation work and to help to spread a positive, educational message about saving the environment. This is the first project embarked upon by Second Hand Spaceman. The album itself has been a work in progress for the past 18 months and was self-written, recorded and produced.
‘Blast Off’ is a viscid flex of electronic grooves mixed with orchestral and ambient flavours splashed against a host of synthesisers with a hint of hip hop thrown in. Right from the first track on the album, ‘Nice Planet’ Second Hand Spaceman sucks you into his spacey eerie vibe with spooky alien-like soundscapes and sticky beats. Its a wobbly electronic phenomenon. ‘Blast Off’ brings us a big band bouncy feel, vibrant and bright with brass-like sounds and triumphant vibes. Throughout the album Second Hand Spaceman shows off his skill to create a cinematic visual for the listeners to experience from jubilant hearty sounds to delicate twinkling in tracks such as ‘Uncharted’ and ‘Discovery’. A sense of magical elegance is created with sparkling light keys against an edgy sonic background. Its definitely an album for adventures as it opens the mind to all possibilities where there is no limits not even musically.

You can pre order the album here https://www.secondhandspaceman.com/

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Funk, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Amazing Planes ‘Lost In Translation’ album

UK Garage rock duo Amazing Planes have released their new album ‘Lost In Translation’. Hailing from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire the band consists of rock duo Mark Nelson and Daniel Hard. Amazing Planes pull in elements of Rock, Blues and Indie to create their multi-faceted album ‘Lost In Translation’.
First up is ‘Saving The World’ with a gritty fuzzed bass riff its down and dirty raw kick ass attitude driven brawn. Slick and smooth this track charms with steamy attitude and a mighty punch. Slight country twangs shake up the track while heavy instrumentation pummels with smooth moshing frenzy. ‘Only When You Call’ displays the duo’s funky groovy side with bouncy instrumentation and sing along “ba baaa” feature. This track has a Blur feel in the verse which breaks away for the catchy chorus. Strong bass pulses through the track while vocal harmonies coast through with cruising charisma. Slick sharp guitar drives the track weaving in and out playfully while the soft drums and elastic bass keep the funky tempo.Title track ‘Lost In Translation’ continues this groovy shimmy and 60’s vibe, its flower power fun with brass elements warming up the flowing free track. The song breaks into a raw instrumental bridge with rattly guitar and rapid rumble on drums before leading into the massive chorus. ‘Coming Back To Me’ slows the tone down taking a more emotional tender persona. Soft soulful instrumentation accompanies the vocals while strong sharp interjections on guitar freshens up the otherwise delicate track. The album continues with Amazing Planes’ funky blends fizzling with rock and gritty elements. Shredding guitar licks and big chorus’ become the duos signature moves while they swoon in with cool tones and swagger soaked vocals. The stomp worthy ‘Good Thing’ is empowering and will definitely have you busting all the moves from shimmying to bopping and even pulling out the disco stew move with pride just before you air guitar to that thrilling solo. ‘Loves Gone’ closes the album, bass heavy and smooth its cool and polished raw and steamy. Punchy rumbling drums teamed with a blistering guitar riff and sensual sway-like verse, its a temptress to the ears.

A solid album from Amazing Planes ‘Lost In Translation’ is a fizzing can of delicious indie rock that will leave you thirsty for more.
Stream  ‘Lost In Translation’  below

Album Review, Indie, Indie Electro, indie rock, New Music

Tribe Society ‘We Sell Drugs’

New York four-piece Tribe Society have released their 10 track mixtape ‘We Sell Drugs’ today. Tribe Society pull in a mixture of genres from indie rock, alternative to hip-hop and electronic to create a sound that is original and signature to them.
‘We Sell Drugs’ is packed with ten bass -driven millennial anthems that will have you cruising grooving and swaying all to snappy beats and slick fluid melodies. Opening track ‘Nu Vibe’ sets the tone of this velvety mixtape. Its creamy smooth and rhythmically rich smudged in R&b soul. Its effortlessly chilled with sweet toned vocals, snappy goopy beat, sparkling synths and warm acoustic guitar feature. Heart stopping rippling beats teamed with lush vocals follow in tracks such as ‘Lonely People’, spoken vocals also feature adding firmness and earnest to the track. ‘Smoke Out The Window’ is drizzled in darker foggy electronics that have a wispy flow while the bright melody and keys create a catchy ear worm chorus. ‘Garden Of God’ gives an intense sticky eerie tone. With haunting electronic and raspy vocals however there is a brighter almost whistle- like melody featuring after the chorus that lifts the muggy gooey dark feel of the track. This track brings a rock feel while still maintaining that electronic flex beat. The tracks that follow bring a blend of hip hop soaked with fierce attitude softened by the soft synths and entangled in wandering electronics. Title track ‘We Sell Drugs’ is an infectious peppy warm song with a chorus you wont be able to prise from your brain. Its a laid back hazy track, perfect for lazy sunny days. ‘Faded Circle’ is the final track featuring distorted vocals and a sombre tone winding down a mixtape that displays Tribe Society’s masterful instrumentation which is tightly layered and rich in textures while also possessing thought-provoking lyrics.’We Sell Drugs’ is a wholly unique venture delicate and stunning while also packing a mighty electronic punch and hip hop fusions.
Stream ‘We Sell Drugs’ below

 

Album Review, Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Smooth Rock, Synth Rock

Ten Fé ‘Hit The Light’

London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track.
‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a  knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions.
‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure.
‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite.
‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go.
‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse  and Duncan’s  vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe.
‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo.
‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good.
‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with  Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day.
‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below

Album Review, EDM - House, Electronic, Indie

TrinoVante ‘Live Love Laugh Learn Light Liquid Liberate’

Producer and DJ TrinoVante has recently released his debut album ‘Live Love Laugh Learn Light Liquid Liberate’ after years of experimenting with Electronic Music Software and reaching the peak of his production knowledge. He has described his style of dance music as emotional, spiritual and passionate, the 19-track album has received critical acclaim from BBC Introducing and some tracks on the album have also been released under digital record labels. Created as a feel good album to help raise spirits and give listeners a new found appreciation for the beauty of life, the album features mainly uplifting tracks, some of which have nostalgic garage undertones.
‘Live Love Laugh Learn Light Liquid Liberate’ is the perfect house party album laced with quick synth stabs and airy tropical vibes in tracks like ‘Light Pink Flower’. The tracks feature drops that explode softly, welcomingly and warm with infectious grooves sprinkling sunshine yet grounded with deep beats and spacey synth soundscapes. Sleek laser-like flashes of electronics light up the tracks. While passionate vocals feature on some of the tracks complementing them and heightening the entire experience. TrinoVante surges us with a wave of soft adrenaline-pumping energy with funky elements and a rush of summer vibes to keep you dancing all night.’5 4 3 2 1 Liberate’ brings a slightly heavier hypnotic acid trip with flickering electronics and driving sticky beat. Each track pulls you further and further into its trippy intoxicating swirling bright peppy hypnotism until you embrace it and join the kaleidoscope of euphoric sounds.
‘Live Love Laugh Learn Light Liquid Liberate’ was self-produced and influenced by a large variety of genres and artists which can definitely be heard in the unique sound throughout this album. It was released earlier in January and is available via all major media providers.
Stream ‘Live Love Laugh Learn Light Liquid Liberate’ below

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Sundara Karma ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’

Sundara Karma have released their debut album ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’. The quartet have been blasting out massive tunes and creating their own brand of sophisticated inventive tunes that capture youthfulness in all its glory, while showcasing intelligent musicianship with lyrical depth beyond their years. ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’ brightens up theses winter days and transports you to Sundara Karma’s world of fiery raging emotions and intense spirited tracks that evoke blazing hot summery sticky vibes and a hopeful bright atmosphere.
‘A Young Understanding’ kicks of the album with an overwhelming swarm of crashing percussion and a shredding riff that pierces and cuts with razor sharp sting. Lulu’s vibrant and charismatic vocals lifts you up and pulls you into every word. With darker deep undertones the complicated low times of youth is expressed to us in a fantastically anthemic way that only Sundara Karma can do so well. Featuring throbbing bass and swift tempo its a winner that will hook you into the album and keep you listening.
‘Loveblood’ follows with combustive energy bursting with crisp shrill and fizz on guitars that drive the track to victory. Teamed with explosive percussion this track shatters all in its path. Massive anthem arena worthy vibes and dynamic vocals, its a frenzy causing manic track that is made for the intensity of the pit at a live show.
‘Olympia’ which was our worth a listen track a few months ago, is the kind of track you fall in love with as it sweeps you off your feet and pulls out your heartache and joy-filled memories. Its melancholic-drenched melody, wrapped in anthemic adrenaline beckons you to sing along with sweet nostalgia. Lulu’s control of his powerful vocals is mesmerising as he adds a velvety smooth quality that is soothing and touching while capturing each emotion and reflecting it with mirror like sparkle as it bends and shapes into a memory of your youth. The passionate guitar riff drives the track whipping you up in a swirl of uplifting hope, while the flexible bass and steady beat grounds the enthralling track.
‘Happy Family’ slots in next at 6 minutes long, this tender gripping track hits you in the chest and makes you listen to every word that you hardly notice its length. Starting as a ballad with gentle twinkle on sweet mellow warm toned guitar it radiates glowing tones and sprinkles of sunlight. With a thumping beat and clap along feature the track kicks into a springy melancholic bounce with a strong message. Melody wise Sundara Karma kick this one out of the park once again as you are singing along while they hit you hard with touching lines “Left and right, they choke me tight ” and heart on your sleeve lyrics, “Wishing that in time, you’ll find someone to hold onto” The track then builds up to a big crescendo with Americana rhythms and uplifting vibes that fill you with hope. The track is the definition of all the hopes and dreams that one goes through with the glum reality contrasting those dreams.
‘Flame’ reintroduces that epic anthem that will have a live audience exploding and chanting back. Ear worm melody and slick guitar flickering in and out of each verse gives glimpses of the massive chorus to come. Its a dazzling track full of vibrancy and sunny vibes.
‘Loose The Feeling’ bounces with light bubbly tones and twinkling guitar. Its airy vibes ooze expressions of freedom, with Lulu’s vocals adding a gritty edgy quality bursting with emotion and expression. Soft backing vocals add a lulling quality while the soft beat and percussion cushions the track with a comforting bounce.
‘She Said’ is a propeller of vitality, its slick style and shout out chorus is guaranteed to leave a live crowd hoarse the next day. With jangly strident guitars, rapid tempo and swinging pizzazz its a track that hazy memories are made for. Elastic rebounding base drives the track while the whippy percussion will have your hips shaking and feet shuffling in no time. Its a ruckus causing frenzy infused track that you will definitely put on repeat.
‘Vivienne’ is an infectious track that compels you to escape the noise, run away and soak up the love. Gentle beats start and coax while biting shrill on guitars add a breaking free forget it all vibe. Filling you with hopeful tones the track builds to a sure strong beat and becomes a middle finger to the world anthem.
‘Be Nobody’ is a heartfelt tear to the eye swaying track that yearns intimacy. With suspended shrill and distortion on guitars this track packs a punch. Its simple yet extremely effective. Pulsing beat and powerful vocals hits you to your core. In places vocally it reminds me of Meat Loaf as the lyrics are sung rapidly and almost create the beat. Just when you expect the album to slow down Sundara Karma slap you in the face with this fresh new take on their sound.
‘Deep Relief’ bounces with peppy energetic liveliness that fills you with the strength to “Hold On”. The track is soaked in positive vibes and sprinkled with their nostalgic melancholic tones. Soft backing vocals sooth and add a hazy dreamy vibe while the zesty guitar acts like a ray of sunlight shining on your face and brightening up your day.
‘Watching From Great Heights’ features the album’s title in its lyrics and a shredding nostalgic coated guitar solo. Infectious melody and catchy chorus this track runs along smoothly dropping you into a dreamy haze of edgy indie pop.
‘The Night’ brings us to the end of the album with light twinkling guitars sparkling and glistening as the track glides and slides with liquid fluidity. The guitar shines with a biting shrilling solo that features glimpses of psychedelic “wah wah”. With Lulu showcasing his unique wide vocal range this track is a swagger smothered strutting glide of sophisticated indie rock.
Sundara Karma have displayed their well crafted slick effortlessly cool intelligent indie that is so passionate and thrilling you will be with them for every note, hanging on in there as they grasp your very soul and summon your inner youth to rise up and bellow out the relatable lyrics and ear worm melody.
Stream ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’ below

Album Review, electro- pop, Indie, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music

Alpines ‘Another River’

London duo Bob Matthews and Catherine Pockson who form the band Alpines have returned with their new album ‘Another River’. Released via Metropolis Recordings the album is one of the most crafty and emotive R&B records of the year. Teased earlier this year with the slick intimacy of Completely, Alpines’ sophomore LP ‘Another River’ pares down the sound of their 2014 debut ‘Oasis’. This new effort is not so much the sound of a duo finding their feet, as it is an utterly standout performance from a couple of intrepid sonic experimenters subtly refining their craft. Their futurist brand of production renders Catherine Pockson’s R&B melodies into dazzling soundscapes, each thrumming with a life of its own. The duo’s application has fuelled various collaborations in the fashion world, including the likes of All Saints, Paul Smith and Urban Outfitters. The album is preceded by the release of ‘Heaven’, an anthem with towering vocal harmonies and a sly bass groove. The duo are masters in creating cerebral and inventive music without compromising on the simple unabashed joy of melody.
‘Another River’ is an emotive outpouring on love and life that will resonate with people everywhere. Starting with title track ‘Another River’ Alpines display an emotional pulling track that draws you into every word. With a delicate piano feature that builds into an explosive breezy electronic break. The sticky slap beat keeps the track elastic and malleable adding a wobbly sensual vibe. ‘Completely’ continues with their brand of classy soul-pop balanced on a knife edge with darkened tones and a retro vibe behind the sweet yearning coo on vocals. ‘ Stay’ follows with ease as does each track on the album coated in sensual tones and a hint of R&B. Its tightly layered and drenched in late-night sounds that add contemporaneity to the retro soul infused track. ‘Heaven’ brings us a rapid more prominent almost tribal beat without compromising the cool dreamy tone of the album. The track provides a subtle shift that you can groove to. ‘Mutual’ takes us back to the tempered and classic-sound of the other tracks with an itchy beat and shadows with a melody that is wistful and tastefully sweet. ‘How It Hurts’ is a piano dominated ballad packed with emotion filled soulful vocals that display a strength and depth through raw emotion and heartbreak. Its displays the power and courage through pain. Building into a dynamic crescendo that isn’t overpowering but empowering and beautiful. ‘Under The Sun’ closes the album with brighter tones and simple accompaniment to start that builds into sticky intricate soundscapes that weave in and out highlighting the immaculate and powerful soulful vocals that exude attitude and sass while still maintaining that subtle soft sweetness.
‘Another River’ is a smooth and unobtrusive, utterly emotionally convincing album while remaining refined and sophisticated.
You can catch Alpines Live at
Feb 14th – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
Feb 15th – Leeds, Headrow House
Feb 16th – Glasgow, King Tuts
Feb 17th – Manchester, Soup Kitchen
Feb 20th – Bristol, The Louisana
Feb 21st – Oxford, The Cellar
Feb 22nd – Brighton, The Prince Albert
Watch the video for  ‘Heaven’ below

Album Review, Alt Rock, Dark- Wave, EP Review, Glam Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, New Wave, psychedelic, Rock, Trance

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week is Mini Mansions ‘Flashbacks’ 

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Los Angeles’ finest Mini Mansions have released a collection of unreleased/unheard B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’. This follows their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ which was released in 2015. The trio , vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes have compiled a collection of nine ravishing tracks that smash all boundaries. We couldn’t choose just one track for our worth a listen but then, why would you choose one when their are nine spine tingling beauties.
‘Flashbacks’ kicks things off with ‘Drive’ a snappy quick step luscious track with Dawes’ fuzzed bass giving an ecstatic bounce. Parkford’s sweet delicate vocals introduces the nectarous melody with Shuman’s backing vocals adding a lush heavenly texture. The fluidity of this track makes it so easy on the ears and soothing with sugar coated sparkle. Building into heavier fuzzed rock instrumentation Mini Mansions introduce us to their gritty glam rock sprinkled with a smooth mouthwatering sweet 60s texture. With the sudden change to deep bass vocals by Shuman a warm mellow tone is added to the rich mix. ‘Drive’ knocks it out of the park and hooks you into the trio’s unique dreamy world of psychedelia and rock.‘Bored To Death’ coos and lulls into a gentle slow dance. With raspy vocals and tender lyrics teamed with elegant keys and dexterous chord progression creating a catchy soothing track that stops time, stilling everything around except for the beautiful melody. Lush harmony and gently sorrowful tones add purity and elegance. The track builds in intensity as a heartbroken tone takes over with heavy rhythm. The sweetened sting on guitar with soft piano and a light beat plays the track out with echoing gingerly soft repetitive vocals.
‘Ticket For One’ illuminates with a bright melody and multi-textures. The infectious slap whack beat combined with nimble keys and Dawes’ sharp elastic bass giving the track a rubber ball rebound effect. The call and response vocals between soft Parkford and deep Shuman as they interact with syrupy smooth melodies that will give you “stuck song syndrome”. Leading effortlessly and perfectly into ‘Ticket For Two’ a witty bouncy track with the catchy and almost “dollish” twinkle piano effect. Adding a catchy “clap clap” effect and steady striking bass ‘Ticket for two’ is a “tour de force” as it pulls similarities from ‘Ticket For One’ while developing a distinctive sound. Of course there is no great genius without a mixture of madness especially where Mini Mansions are concerned as they lead us into a frenzy of heavy manical moshing to end this fantastic track.
‘Fiona’ which we previously featured on Indie Buddie has a darkened dreamy tone and swoon-like atmosphere coated in hazy psychedelia. Once again Parkford and Shuman share vocals as they weave and intertwine melodies with warm seductive textures. The drums exude an oomph and panache to start and then seduce and coax when teamed with the smooth velvety vocals. They build into a sweep and bluster for the intense massive crescendo before the tone slows to a soft gentle echo finish.
‘Shape Recorder‘ has a spooky Halloween party track feeling to start with the peppy organ. The track maintains a sneaky eerie tone with psychedelic fuzz and heavy daunting instrumentation. Its a swirling confusion of blurry haunting fun and dangerous shady obscurity. The intensity of the track fades to a sweet soft vocal with lush harmonies before a final burst of instrumentation.
‘Valet’ is our taste of sensual reggae with Hendrix- esque guitar to start. This body grooving track is effortlessly cool and sleek and shows Mini Mansions in a new light. Its a sit back and bop to the music feel good tasteful track. Shuman’s warm deep vocals contrasting with Parkford’s candied falsetto towards the end adds a charming multi dimension. Exuding fiery strutting swagger with a captivating stride and flaunt this track is magnetic and tantalising.
‘Little Al Capone’ begins with a strong “digging” labour intensive beat and bass vocals adding grounding and depth. The track builds into a theatrical quick passed track with rapid beat and sprightly piano. Tight harmony on vocals and a vibrant dynamism and oomph instrumentation add passion and slappy elasticity. The track sounds like it could have been taken from a scene from a musical where the actors are hard at work, slogging through the daily grindstone.
‘Shadow’ completes our musical journey with the mysterious Mini Mansions in a sombre nostalgic tone. Its labyrinth of interweaving textures meandering through a delicate tender melody and heavenly sweet lavish vocals give this track opulent textures and diversity. The dreamy Utopian wistfulness and visionary fantasy set to swirling rapid beat and whine on guitars in a sway – like motion gives this track an abstracted feeling, like it was all a dream.
Mini Mansions are like a fine wine maturing and coming into their own. ‘Flashbacks’ could have been an album as each track opens your mind to their unique classy musicianship as they guide you into a journey of fantasy and rich textures unwinding your mind and unravelling your senses.

You can buy ‘Flashbacks’ and other Mini Mansions goodies here  http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/mini-mansions/exclusives

Watch the video for Fiona below