Mini Mansions are set to release their third studio album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ on July 26th on Fiction Records. Each Album, EP and track this trio have released has been more tantalizing, juicy and infectious than the last.Their quirky elements and mind frazzling instrumentation makes them a unique treasure and ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ takes this wonderful trait, ferments it, curdles and blends it as we see the band produce their most thrilling and perhaps honest piece of work to date.
‘Should Be Dancing’ sets the experience in motion with a funfair carousel atmosphere. It sounds like it could be David Bowie and Marc Bolan’s love child.The track chugs along with that fun happy vibe while the undertone reeks of eerie clowns and danger.Michael Shuman takes his frontman role by the horns.His deep eccentric vocals flaunt with a flamboyant air and ring leader suaveness as he hyperboles, haunts and wails through the spine chilling backdrop.The jangly keys, funk flexed striking guitar and sublime bass weave and entice with an ominous yet peppy tone through the driving beat.The adrenaline heart racing ‘Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)’ surges with rock ‘n’ roll swagger, slick guitar, an infectious clap along feature and a driving rhythm.
The first half of this album is a flurry of adrenaline and exhilarating emotions expressing one’s feelings of falling in love and all the cheeky bits in between. ‘Don’t Even Know You’ sees Tyler Parkford take the lead. His signature chord progressions on keys glitter and apply the perfect quirky quality to the melty wistful melody and sweet as taffy vocals. Zack Dawes’ bass weaves threads of delight throughout this dreamy candy-floss track. It’s a sun hazed dream-boat that cruises and bops along ready to be the soundtrack when you meet your next crush. It’s a gem to listen to. Parkford snaps out of his lovesick daze with the flurrying more confident ‘Forgot Your Name’. He swaggers over humorous lyrics as this shuffling dance evoking tune whisks you away into a rock ‘n’ roll carefree stupor. A thumping beat and riveting bass create that dance floor summoning foundation. Sharp guitar lines playfully wander and frolic between the buoyant keys and sprightly melody while Z Berg (former singer in The Like) provides the backing vocals. The album gallops straight into the heart racing ‘I’m In Love’. Jazzy keys and intricate guitar lines pepper the track in spice and rich flirtations while the electrifying wall of sound and distorted fluctuations ensure repeat plays. ‘Time Machine’ continues the loved up dreamy tone with hazy vocals, twinkling soundscapes and lush melodies.The sticky beat, zest filled guitar, echoed vocals and sweet harmonies create a delicate tender number with a pop sprinkling.The wistful swoony title track from the EP released last year ‘Works Every Time’ takes a seat on the album with its sublime lamenting guitar lines, elastic bass and Parkfords velvety vocals reinforcing the ethereal and floaty atmosphere of Time Machine.‘Living InThe Future’ re-introduces backing vocals from Z Berg as the track swirls through dazzling electronics, glam rock guitar lines and groove infested rhythm.
Suddenly things start to turn sour as the tone of the album changes and the strutting ‘GummyBear’ follows.Though a sweet pop-coated number the track lyrically takes us down a darker path “No, I got love for you no more ”. With a disco- esque undertone,the song is brimming with infectious grooves and funky bass line while buoyant drums fluctuate through the euphoric soundscape creating a rich elastic foundation. Shuman duets with The Kills’ front woman Alison Mosshart on the bittersweet ‘Hey Lover’. It’s a heartbreaking parting of ways however the band deliver this with elegance and dignity. Shuman’s smoky whispers caress the lyrics with steamy seduction as he coos and blends perfectly with Alison Mosshart’s sultry tone.The moving melody drifts along as jangly keys peep between the sombre tone, lamenting guitar and steady beat while the bass broods throughout. All that’s left is for the passionate electronically dazzling ‘Tears In Her Eyes’ to bring the album to a close the best way Mini Mansions can – leaving you wanting to take the entire emotional roller-coaster again.This smoky track simmers beneath dark daze-filled electronics while sultry guitar stings contrast the bubbling and festering bass.The verses are ominous however the chorus lightens a little with twinkling keys echoing naive innocence.The track builds and ignites into a harsh crashing crescendo. It’s an extremely expressive track while the invigorating and smothering instrumentation wrestles and tussles creating a beautiful contrast.
‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ is a whirlwind of emotions heightened through sublime musicianship and production.The refined glorious melodies and masterful instrumentation portray the themes perfectly. Mini Mansions are exquisite musicians. These guys are diamonds in the rough.
‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ will be released on July 26th until then you can check out their newest single ‘I’m In Love’ below
