the mites - spur of the summer

The Mites

Spur Of The Summer
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5 

By Ethan Skeleton

The album’s title Spur of the Summer says it all. Amidst a sweaty afternoon on the lawn, two kindred spirits began to brainchild a musical endeavor bigger than the both of them. The couple joined minds with a close friend and got off to a great start writing and recording their work. Like the youthful rebels they are, their process was avant-garde giving their sound just a touch of lovely disregard. The drums were not isolated and hard panned but rather recorded mono and represented as unified drum sets, in each recording one can hear the room in which the instruments were recorded.

We find The Mites on the brink of a self-realized prophecy. They know who and what they are. A band of misfit souls, intelligent and refined – MTV exposed and smart enough to know the difference between art and bullshit. Educated by flower power all the way up to Soundgarden. Listening to Spur Of The Summer is to feel like one was riding on a dollop of molasses as it dripped, in super slow motion, from spoon to ground. This is quoting the group by the way. Paints a picture doesn’t it?

“Wash Away” dances like surf rock with a sprite-like spirit, spring emotions and California vibes, sun between the trees and music in the pines. It’s a freeing song with a chorus like Zoloft. The female vocals are breathy and pure, the instrumentation just the right amount of edge. “On And On (Without You)” sounds like a drugged Garbage. The album’s tracks are sweet little nuggets, some not even breaking the two-minute mark. Prepare for a lot of replay. “Marjorie’s Injury” is much heavier than its counterparts, striking low-end distortion from the very first note.

If you like indie and sonic adventures, this album was made for you. Put it in on a long drive or for a slow afternoon. Both situations will be highly complemented. Find a collection with that same power that’s not on a major label. Good luck. The Mites are a great find; get into them.

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