Wednesday in Review

Felicitations,

For those of you who care, I just started my final semester of this college career I've got going. Soon I'll be in the real world and blogging about novels, comics and booze will be tough to fit in to my schedule.

That said, I have a special two-part review: Absolut Mango (I'd never had it before!) and the debut album by a band out of Fist City called Spies. The album is entitled Mystery Monster.

So I bought this junk on a whim. It's purrty tasty. I'm enjoying my third vodka & tonic as I type. Unfortunately I can't really recommend many drinks for it. On the rocks it's smooth and has a strong smell of sweetened artificial mango. In a vodka tonic it's so easy to drink that I classify it as a "Date Rape Liquor." I can only assume that typical vodka combos such as an Absolut Mango and cranberry juice or mango martini would taste just as nice as anything else.

I do prefer Absolut's flavored selections since they don't sacrifice proof for flavoring like Three Olives or Skyy sometimes do. Of course if you're an asshole looking for a high-proof Date Rape Liquor I suggest you mosey on over to the liqueur aisle and pick up any of those 99 fruit schnapps. And find a good lawyer.

Now I have the honor of writing a review of Mystery Monster by Spies.
The album recently became available on iTunes here.

Overall I give the album a solid B-

There's certainly a lot going on here and the band does a pretty amazing job tackling several genres of music despite being just a three-piece. The best classification anyone can offer is indie, so that's what we're going with here.

Here's a track-by-track breakdown:

1- More Than Me
This is a strong opening track that starts with some gang vocals and has definite indie flare. The drummer shows off a talent for tempo changes and the lyrics set the tone for the rest of the album nicely.

2- Comatose in the Delorean
This falls under the catagory of one of the oddballs on the album for me. If the first track turned me on, this one turned me off. We go from up-tempo indie rock to a ska-rap number. Among its better qualities is its brevity.

3- All I Ever Wanted
One of my favorite tracks on the album. The bass is perfect, the cello is a great touch, and the lyrics hit home for just about anybody. My only complaint is the guitar sounds a little jangly at times, I would either suggest a warm neck pickup or an acoustic guitar.

4- Sleep Better
A haunting tune with driving drums, moody cello playing and a guest soprano vocalist. It my not flow with the genre of music advertised, but slow quiet songs have a place on any album. The singers don't quite seem to compliment one another, and sometimes it just sounds like one singer with a very unique voice. It is one of the top five for me though.

5- Curtains
An acoustic number that acts as the bottom rung of a movement into slower quieter songs on the album. The lyrics are melancholy and the crescendos are perfectly executed. Not sure I like the studio sounds at the end of the song though...

6- On My Own
Another strong tune that falls into the indie genre. It's a little darker in tone than everything else before it. It does mark a return in the theme of the lyrics to tracks like More Than Me and All I Ever Wanted.

7- Fist City Rockin'
A short instrumental track that doesn't do a whole lot for me. Technically, I'd say it lacks a strong lead guitar or a solo from any of the band members. On its own, it's weak, but as a lead-in for the next track it is superb. Ideal for live shows when the singer needs a break.

8- Hang On
One of the best tracks on the album, and another genuinely indie rock gem. It features neat riffs by the guitarist, an up-tempo head-nodding rhythm and great intonation on the vocals. It really shows off the unique qualities of the band. If I had to pick a hit single, this is probably it.

9- Mystery Monster
For being the title track, this song doesn't do a great job representing the album on the whole. It's the darkest in tone, the lowest in pace and most haunting track on the album. I personally like the song a lot, but it's hard to believe it came from the same band.

10- Beyond
This is another favorite on the album for me. Another up-tempo indie song with neat flourishes and some of the best written lyrics. The mixing leaves a little to be desired, but a quick change on your iTunes automatic EQ settings to "Dance" will improve the sound a bit. Another strong contender for hit single in my opinion.

11- Problems on Parade
A fun doo wop number will great drumming, sweet lyrics, and a brass section. Despite obvious '50s influences, the distinct indie flare serves to keep the song in the same vein as songs like Beyond, Hang On, and More Than Me. My only complaint is that it's too short!

12- Everyday
The final track with a song build-up and massive crescendos. Some of the best writing lyrically, but the vocalist strains a little too much to hit some of the notes, which takes away from it. It's a strong track for the middle of the album or the end.

I think this band's strongest potential is on stage. The overall sound of the album is underproduced, but they are an indie band, so bear with it. A good unique sound.

That about wraps it up. I'm off to have a couple more drinks.

-Steve