Much apologies for not posting a lot of entries. I've been trying to get things sorted out for quite awhile so I felt a break was needed. I've been wanting to post a best of list for last year but at this point it's pretty pointless (for those curious, Omegas' Blast of Lunacy was my definite favorite, hands down), especially since March is upon us. With last year on my mind at the moment, it was only rightfully so that I would touch upon the newest release from one of my personal faves, Mind Spiders, seeing as their self titled debut LP is still played on a timely basis. Their newest release, Meltdown, picks things up where they left off and takes it up another notch.
I had actually stumbled upon this band on accident, or intentionally, whatever really describes hearing "Dirty secrets" on my last FM radio about two years back. As good as that 7 inch came across, I mainly put my attention on vocalist Mark Ryan's previous band the Marked Men, never finding (or searching) a cure for those catchy, sugar-laced garage anthems that set them apart from many pop punk bands out now. In my opinion, the Ghost LP is definitely one of the best records of the 2000's that really is underrated and ignored to an extent. Anyways, It took multiple plays of their 7 inch and last year's LP for me to really appreciate the Mind Spiders and anticipate Meltdown. Thankfully, it lives up to the hype.
"You are Dead" opens up this magnificent LP, getting the listener pumped up and excited from it's first listen. Taking on the member's list of their past bands (High Tension Wires, Marked Men, Bad Sports, Wax Museums among the most obvious)poppy garage sound mixed in with lo-fi and dazzling synths, this first track immediately becomes one of many favorites off this LP.
What really makes me obsess with the Mind spiders is Ryan's vocals, one of many elements that sets his acts apart from his contemporaries. To me, his voice sounds like the Beach Boys if they had listened to the first Ramones album and came out with an album now. Combining that voice and providing a catchy hook is what makes their songs stuck in most people's head. "On the Radio" showcases this point, much like "You are Dead". Starting off with a tribal mesh of a drum into, the spiders break into a balls-out punk frenzy of a number that has Ryan crooning that seems to stick with you, making you chant along in the background.
Remember me talking about the synths? I feel the track "More Than You"provides a good example of an instance where synths can work out in a musician's favor. What usually turns me off about the use of synths or anything of relation involving technology is mainly too much of it can be overkill. If not that, there aren't many cases where a synth can really be useful at all in the track. With the Mind Spiders, the addition of a synth provides a vibe that reminds me of the earlier garage hits from the 60's, sort of like Question Mark and the Mysterians. It adds that one-two punch that makes the track pretty poppy and heartfelt, a big plus for the spiders.
One favorite of mine, "Play Out Out" goes back to that chaotic frenzy that made you want to grab a hold of the LP. It's the type of attack that should be required for any band that's welcoming recognition, whether it's pop-punk, hardcore, etc. Another track "Upside-Down", switches it up just for a bit; including a crazy, hypnotic vibe as the band really goes all out in different directions. If I could pick a particular track that really stands out, I'd say it would definitely be "Wait for Us". Although it's a little unfair for me to really state since I had heard the song prior to the album's release, I feel this really exemplifies the Mind Spiders at their best that really brings out the heavy combination of synths, jagged-guitar chords, and a brilliant essence of vocals. Up until this point, I had considered "Dirty Secrets" and "Read Your Mind" the groups greatest creative outputs. It's a different story now, with no complaints on my part.
Dirtnap Records
Up Next:
Tenement 7 inch review
The Men "Open Your Heart" LP/Treasuretown review
Libyans/Kontaminant/Calender Boys Show review
Raw Nerve last show review
