Mines, is American indie rockers, Menomena’s fourth album, released on the 26th July, this record from the Portland three piece looks set to follow the success that I Am The Fun Blame Monster! and Friend And Foe achieved.
Thumping drums and vocal variance dominate this album, along with all manner of instruments and effects that are put to good use throughout. All of the group’s members share vocal duties during the album, which brings a very different feel to each track, especially against the musical variation also on show.
There is a real ‘Blur’ feel to the albums first two tracks, Queen Black Acid and TAOS, the vocals are uncannily similar to Damon Albarn and there is an innocent, fresh feel to these tracks. What follows is a very different story however.
The album from here on in is a real experimental affair, distant, eerie vocals, the use of glass bottles for percussion, huge classical piano sets, heavy guitar riffs and scratches. The album rises and falls throughout and although the flow may be lack-lustre, the effect is fantastic.
Killemall’s dramatic percussion and piano opening is a very tense piece, which then transcends into a pschycedelic and beautiful song, dominated by the amazing drumming throughout. This is one of the stand out tracks on the album and shows a real ability to alter a tracks flow.
Tithe is another track which particularly pleases. From the abstract percussion, to the warped guitar chords and tense piano sections, this is a very stop, start, dramatic track, full of layers and tension with a lovely crack in the vocals.
The guitar riffs on BOTE have Jimmy Page written all over them as they scream in between the passages of what would otherwise be a drab track of steady funk-rock. Again the diversity produces something rather exceptional. Extremely simple, yet very effective, and then there is the electronic backdrop to Lunchmeat and the strange use of samples. The break midway for mandolin sections and then the crashes of huge drum beats and guitar produce an ultimately weird track, but I love it.
Progressive, experimental and different. This record provides something for everyone. The flow of the record may be very much broken by the variation on show, but by no means does this disrupt the listening pleasure. All of the eleven tracks on the record provide something that will please. It is huge, brave and unique. I love it.
Stereoboard Rating. 9/10.
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Killemall’s dramatic percussion and piano opening is a very tense piece, which then transcends into a pschycedelic and beautiful song, dominated by the amazing drumming throughout. This is one of the stand out tracks on the album and shows a real ability to alter a tracks flow.
