“Loud generous and mysterious” is what LA’s Mini Mansions promised for their show last night in Whelan’s Dublin and the trio plus guest drummer Jon Theodore (Queens Of The Stone Age) didn’t disappoint. Blushed cheeks and giggles came from the queue of fans waiting to enter the venue as they talked about Theodore’s appearance (he has that effect on people), their favourite Mini Mansion’s song, many fans saying it was ” impossible to choose just one song as they are all just brilliant” and who was the coolest member of the band. The Mini Mansion’s trio have made a big impact on the indie scene. Their charm causing many (both male and female fans alike ) to gush “I love them” as they stand in anticipation for the show to start. There is a change in the air… Mini Mansions have returned to Dublin more confident and proficient than ever, ready to take the venue by storm.
But first, London duo Sons Of Raphael swagger on stage to warm up the crowd. Ambitious, relentless and fierce these guys exude energy as they prance about, spring-boarding from one song to the next with little breath between. Their energy and charisma pours onto the stage as they douse their shrilling guitar refrains and melodies in distortion and reverb. They fill out their sound with a backing track played on a reel-to-reel tape player behind them creating the most unique and thrilling listening experience. The two brothers, comprised of Loral and Ronnel Raphael bash into and ricochet off each other as they bounce about the stage. At first the crowd are bewildered by what their eyes behold until the band showcase their raw psychedelic tunes with incredible enthusiasm and chaotic control. ‘Rio’ kicks the mania off, the razor sharp guitar lacerating through the thick air with refined precision while the quirky sharp vocals yelp and coo through the retro melodies. The tracks travel full throttle as the crowd bop and mosh between entranced sways for tracks like ‘A Nation Of Bloodsuckers’. There is something quite mesmerising about this young band and with their drive, blistering tunes and eccentric stage presence they are ones to keep an eye on.
The crowd stand in dimmed lighting awaiting their exalted trio to arrive while still recuperating from the trance-like daze they were under just moments before, courtesy of Sons Of Raphael. Suddenly they hear the blazing intro and psychedelic whirl of ‘This Bullet’ before the sweet tone of Tyler Parkford’s voice sparks whoops and cheers from the crowd. The band tease the audience allowing them to only hear them before calmly walking on stage to play it out in true, fierce Mini Mansions manner. With Theodore behind the drum kit the band is unstoppable. The tracks take a new lease of life, blossoming under the strong drum foundation allowing the immaculate guitar flurries, athletic key progression and elastic bass to flourish beautifully on stage. Michael Shuman no longer shackled behind a cocktail drum kit spins, kicks and prances about the stage showcasing his compelling front man persona in all its glory. He interacts with the crowd venturing to the edge of the stage as they gaze upon him enthralled. ‘Death Is A Girl’, ‘Creeps’ and ‘Midnight In Tokyo’ all have the crowd eating deliriously out of the palm of the bands hands as the trio exude and seep swagger into the venue. Zach Dawes is exceptionally light on his feet, as he flutters and almost pirouettes about the stage with refined elegance and grandeur while executing some pretty snazzy guitar poses. The trio treat us to a cheeky listen to a new track ‘I’m In Love’ as a member of the crowd shouts “thank you”. This thumping dynamic track bounces upon a nectarous melody and has the crowd excited for what’s to come on their upcoming album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar’ on July 26th.Their sound translates superbly live and the band appear comfortable and suave – executing their rich sound as chiming keys twinkle between sharp guitar shards and fuzzed bass flirtations seamlessly. They keep their fans hyper with tracks like ‘Monk’. To the crowd’s shock Parkford takes on Alison Mosshart’s part for the steamy single ‘Hey Lover’. His sweet falsetto blending perfectly as always with Shuman’s smoky deep whispers. Beloved ‘Any Emotions’ and ‘Vertigo’ go down a treat with the crowd as they bellow back the lyrics singing the riffs and keyboard melodies .
Many tasty guitar embellishments, delicious melodies and sugar soaked bass lines later – which has fans crowd surfing and a rogue fan standing on the stage (for some reason he just looks back at the crowd and does nothing else) the band come to their final track ‘Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)’. This fizzing shimmy-ready infectious gem is exhilarating live. The gritty guitar riff slices boldly through the track while the driving beat, fuzzed bass and dynamic keys create the perfect backdrop to lose your mind to and lets not forget the clap along feature – who wouldn’t love that.
The crowd plead for one more song chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé” until the band return for their triumphant encore of ‘Freakout ‘, ‘Honey I’m Home‘ and ‘Mirror Mountain‘ which sees the trio and audience go absolutely nuts. Shuman and Dawes flaunt about the stage kicking and spiraling. Dawes even bends his back in some sort of an impressive contortion as Shuman ventures into the moshing crowd while onstage Parkford goes all crazy ”Phantom Of The Opera” on us. They always deliver a brain fermenting finale to their shows and last night didn’t disappoint.
Mini Mansion’s are the crème de la crème, there is no band like them and their talent, sheer skill and magnetic aura is astonishing. However, there was something different about the band last night, a glint in their eyes and a different confidence and suaveness than before that I can only hope means these melody-connoisseurs have big things to come. Perhaps the release of the new album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar’ will reveal more.
