Mireille Mathlener Band - The Invisible Blitz

Mireille Mathlener Band

The Invisible Blitz
​self-released; 2022

3.8 out of 5

By My Nyugen
​

Bristol, UK Americana and alternative artist Mireille Mathlener has been making music ever since her debut in 2001. With four records under her belt, Mathlener, who is backed by Tony Barrett Powell (guitar/keys/backing vocals), Heather Price (drums/percussion) and Chris Finn (bass/backing vocals) to form Mireille Mathlener Band, has now returned with her fourth album release The Invisible Blitz to once again give audiences more of her bewildering indie, Americana-twist lively energy. The ten-track record is filled with feel-good vibes. Though with a rather somber subject matter, Mathlener keeps things light with sprightly vocals and bouncing off the walls performances. Once you hit play, there’s definitely no going back.

The Invisible Blitz starts off with “Hellebore Strikes,” where wailing guitars draw listeners closer into the sounds. Mathelner’s vocals comes revving in with a rock vibe. She sings with feeling as she vocalizes about the ‘Invisible Blitz’ happening around our world. The sound is very infectious with upbeat and catchy rhythms and flow. Up next is “The Lonely Photographer,” which opens up with a slower groovin’ groove. There is absolutely no rush on this track as the music builds up in emotional momentum. More of the band’s bouncy energy returns on “Dancing On The Rubble Of The City.” I was loving the jaunty beats and rhythms. I was also getting some straightforward rock n’ roll fare on this number. The feel-good vibes were rcontagious. 

It looks like the band likes to mix things up with slower and faster songs intermingled throughout the record. On “Rise,” they return to their more sauntering sound. There are tons of mood and feeling here as the Mathlener belts out with loads of attitude and sass. Some acoustic guitar strumming lights up the sounds on “Halcyon Days.” Next, the electric guitar weaves into the sounds. This feels like it is in the ballad vein as Mathlener belts out with feeling on this song. The band takes charge with the happening rock romp “On The Other Side.” The jaunty rhythms went ahead to make my day.

On “The Nightingale,” the jaunty rhythms continue. I thought I heard a touch of spaghetti western. The gritty guitars and rough sound surround listeners. I was loving this harder and more aggressive approach from the band. On “Is This The End Of Everything?” more sunny sounds come from the band as they revive the best out of the ‘60s and ‘70s for this warm rock number. Filled with mood and atmosphere, the band consistently brings in a great rock feel into this recording. Some driven instrumentals arrive at the start of “To The Wire.” The acoustic vibes feel very warm. Packed with feeling, this was another moving piece from the artist. 

​With Mathlener’s dramatic entrance in the opener “Hellebore Strikes,” the energy does not abate until the very conclusion with “To The Wire.” Mathlener with the help of her crew keeps listeners on their toes throughout. She hits you with lyrics and vocals impacted with tons of feeling. The music is also not far behind, revving in with startling drums, driven guitars and lively percussion. Mathlener shows us that she still has it with this record. With this in mind, I look forward to hearing more great things from this artist.

bandcamp

Tweet