Wednesday 30 May 2012




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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