CD REVIEW: MEW + –

Label: Play It Again Sam

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

For a band that had never come across my radar before, I cannot stop listening to the newest release, the first in six years, from Mew.  “Satellites” opens the disc with a cool piece of prop pop that covers the bases and gives you a great insight to what you can expect on the disc.  The ethereal feel of the track builds in waves from the opening note until the last sound is heard.  “Witness” builds on the last track with a more intense track that gives a heavier bottom end – thanks to the rhythm section of bassist Johan Wohlert and drummer Silas Utke Graae Jorgensen – underneath the lush guitars and vocals.  “Making Friends” is a fun track that comes off more like a ballad than a prog tune, featuring great guitar work compliments of Bo Madsen, some of the best lead vocals from Jonas Bjerre on the disc, and a full background vocal sound.  “My Complications” opens with a fun guitar riff that soon morphs into a cool groove supported by percussion and vocals.  The tempo shifts on this track are exciting and keep the listener on their toes.  “Interview The Girls” opens with the familiar vocals, but with a different musical style than other tracks on the disc, especially the bass heavy intro.

“The Night Believer” is a slice of prog-pop goodness that hits all the sweet spots and keeps the disc moving without sounding repetitive.  This tempo driven track features special guest vocals from Kimbra.  “Clinging To A Bad Dream” has a cool Tangerine Dream-like feel to it, that builds in intensity when the vocals jump into the fray.  The chorus adds depth to the track while the full percussion sound keeps the body of the song flowing.   “Water Slides” is my choice for best track on the disc.  The feel of the song is enhanced by the strong vocals and the increased energy from the musicians at the chorus and bridge, which also feature Kimbra on background vocals.  “Rows” is an interesting song that clocks in at over 10:00.  It features different textures and tones, all coming together to create an ethereal track that demonstrates how strong the band are as players.  The addition of timpani, marimba and vibraphone tweak the sound and feel of this track slightly, giving it more of a prog feel than its predecessors.  Disc closer “Cross The River On Your Own” has a heavier synth sound than some of the other tracks, but still shines due to the Bjerre’s familiar vocals and catchy guitar work from Madsen.  If you like Mew, I am sure this will be a welcome addition to your collection.  If they are new to you, give it a chance… I am so glad I did!

Tracklist: Satellites – Witness – The Night Believer – Making Friends – Clinging To A Bad Dream – My Complications – Water Slides – Interview The Girls – Rows – Cross The River On Your Own

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Category: CD Reviews