Okay Mr Cool, that's an artist name with some trouser melons on it. Can you deliver? Well the latest album is Gelatin, a fuzzy wuzzy, garage rock experience that is just four tracks long. I feel like when someone pays homage to ’90s grunge they're somewhat cheating when it comes to being cool. However, I'm a sucker and I'll always buy in when it's done well. So sure, I guess Mr Cool lives up to the name in the aspects that count.
"Gelatin" is the opener on this album and I was immediately transported back to the ’90s in the best way. I think the track "Something You Left Behind" is my favorite. All the pieces on this one form something that sounds like a mashup of all my favorite songs from my misguided ’90s youth. Also on the lyric end, it's pretty hard to resist. "Anyone At All" in just title alone lends itself to grunge fans. Just classic grunge at work here, solid tune. Last up is "Big Wave" and it is here that I got a little bit of a different vibe. Especially in terms of production. I was VERY much into it. Right off the bat while listening to the first track "Gelatin," I had an immediate thought; I wish I could hear this live because I want to hear this full throttle. The production is determined to create this space between the listener and performer. Now, this is obviously intentional, at least as far as I can tell. However the song structure is so on the nose as far as grunge that it just becomes dated. My one hang up is how curious I was to hear this album with a more modern or even experimental approach to the production. I think "Big Wave" is a great example of the kind of production trickery I wanted to hear more of throughout the album. The album was recorded at a local studio, Raven Sound Studio. Despite me not entirely agreeing with the production process, I can appreciate the motif they were able to achieve. Color matching that '90s vibe is no easy feat and takes trained ears. They mastered it completely. There is cool factor here, no doubt. It's an interesting sound that comes from Prescott, Arizona. While it may have its feet firmly planted in grunge, there are other musical influences in here. The music is able to take a turn into dark psych and even a little pop. I like the tone, I respect the fuzz. I just don't want to dig so hard to hear all the little enticing details. Best of luck to Mr Cool. I really am very motivated to catch this act live. I would definitely put my name down to hear what comes next. However, I am pretty content given they've only given me four songs.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|