mindeyes - higher forces

Mindeyes

Higher Forces
self-released; 2012

3.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Watch out America because Finland is coming at you with hard rock. The band known as Mindeyes made up of Marko Mannermaa (vocals, harmonica), Jussi Tohmola (lead guitar, backing vocals), Tommi Tyvelä (guitar), Teemu Vedenoja (bass, backing vocals), Antti Itkonen  (keyboards) and Jouni Itkonen (drums, percussions) released their first full-length entitled Higher Forces. There is no getting around the fact that the songs on this album sound like they came from the 80’s hair metal era. Everything from the production, song structure, vocals, lyrics and guitar solos sound like a combination of Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Warrant and about ten other bands who had a similar style. The music doesn't sound like an homage but actually feels like it was created in that decade.

The album starts with “Search For The Reason,” which combines distorted electric guitar, impressive vocal harmonies, and a steady drumbeat. It contains a good amount of energy and a guitar solo you have heard a million times before but can’t get enough of. There are also a good amount of changes in the song, which keep it interesting. The second song “Little Girl” contains an ample amount of 80’s clichés. The vocalist sings, “Little girl what you gonna do, I aint gonna live no more the things you put me through” as well as “I’m tired of your game.” The band explores a tried and true topic but ultimately it feels like something you have heard before. 

“Fading Away” is a bit more a ballad while “Matter Of Time” is one of the highlights on the album due to the inspired vocal performance. On “Gloria” Mindeyes spreads their wings and sound like Scorpions doing their best song. It sounds grandiose and you can imagine people holding up their lighters. They close with one of the most versatile and inspired songs called “Higher Forces.” It has an anthemic quality and was a solid choice to end the album.

Mindeyes is a decent band that seems to be a stuck in a past decade. Some of the songs are good and I respect what they're doing but at the end of the day I would most likely just pop in an album from the 80’s. That being said if you can't get enough of the 80’s hard rock scene you just found your next favorite band.

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