The mind is a tricky thing. There is so much we still don’t
know about it, despite our cutting edge technology. And even more so when we
factor in music in general terms. What is it about humans and the way our minds
work that make us respond to music, or to specific types of music?
Maybe luckily, I don’t know. While fascinating, it’s not
exactly what I do around here – instead I like to talk about the types of music
I am currently responding to and tell you why you might like to check them out
too. Today, for your consideration and deliberation, I’d like to present Mind
Museum. These guys are pretty much a musical version of a phoenix – a trio of
talented Bristol-based musicians who have come together from the ashes of other
bands. What this means is a fusion of different approaches and styles and a
whole host of influences that can be traced throughout their sound.
*All the tracks I’m talking about can be found on their
website, which is located in this quadrant of the interwebs: www.mindmuseum.co.uk*
First up is The
Watcher, a track that gives a clear impression of the band within the first
thirty seconds. This is a punchy, no holds barred track that serves to
demonstrate the talent at play within the group. The drums mix up between four
to the floor functionality to nuanced complexity really well; the tone on the
lead guitar in the solo is spot on, wailing above the chaos of the
accompaniment. The vocals are full of emotional strain, initially reminding me
of Coheed and Cambria at the beginning of the track, but quickly moving off
into something else entirely. Overall a great balance between all parts
involved, with a straightforward construction that is just that right balance
between accessible and containing hidden depth.
Rat Race follows
pretty much the same format as The
Watcher again highlighting all the points I pulled out above. As an added
note, I have to point out that why the lyrical content of both tracks so far
aren’t exactly the most poetic, they both work really well with the music –
full of angst and anger, with a hint of frustration – all of which is ably
conveyed in the vocal delivery.
The intro to Everything
Eventually strongly reminded me of a Lostprohpets track – which is no
criticism – that fits the current sunny weather as I write this absolutely
perfectly. Again, the same level of momentum as the previous tracks is on
display, with the drums being the driving force and balancing that dual role of
straightforward driving rhythm, and adding more complexity where possible.
The Secret of
Happiness is possibly my favourite track; that guitar riff that kicks the
track off is brilliant, and works incredibly well with that punctuated bass
stab that is in turn amplified in the drum rhythm. A great track that just
reinforces everything I’ve said so far but also adding in a more layered
approach. A fantastic track that I highly recommend!
Finally, Seal The
Cracks is possibly the most schizophrenic of the tracks presented – at the
same time both the most frenetic and energetic of all the songs, but also
showing a side that is the most subdued we’ve heard. It’s also possibly the
angriest as well, with more of the vocals devolving into tortured screams than
any other track. Personally, I’ve never been much of a fan of vocalists going
for full on screaming, but I can’t deny that it fits the music here pretty well
and matches the insane amount of energy and momentum everyone else in the band
is bringing to the party.
So overall then, Mind Museum are definitely worth checking
out, and I’ve been finding the tracks I’ve been delving into to be a perfect
accompaniment to a gorgeous sunny day like the ones we’ve been having around
here in the South West recently. Definitely a great addition to any summer
playlist!
If you agree with me, and want to go and listen to this guys
do their thing live on stage, Mind Museum have a number of gigs lined up in and
around the South West , the Midlands and London throughout the latter part of
June, as they kick off their UK tour. Full details are available on the band’s
website.
Review by Paul Barnes
Check out Mind Museum!
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