โหลดเพลงใหม่ Honestly, I was ok with 2008’s Tell It To The Volcano. And when it comes down to sheer pleasure, I’m also cool with Fortress. I guess there was just a little bit of early disappointment when opener “Mansion of Misery” sauntered in with jangling percussion and Charlie Brand’s typically freewheeling vocal delivery. A friend described some songs as sounding “the same throughout.” And while I understand that sentiment, I don’t agree. But it took me a few listens to realize I didn’t. On “Rock N Roll Mountain Troll,” there is perhaps too much weight given to the song’s strange subject matter and not enough to dynamic songwriting. However, its driving chorus picks up the pace briskly enough to make for a nice 60s-via-2010s piece of indie-pop. So although I didn’t get Tell It To The Volcano 2, I did get a clear vision of the band’s truest ideals. Happily, Fortress definitely carves out an interesting niche for Miniature Tigers.
The Neon Indian-produced track “Gold Skull” seems to be the band’s next logical step with its mesmerizing electronic beat and distorted vocals. Although, I kind of hope it’s the catchy yet thoughtful “Dark Tower” or maybe the Suckers-like “Bullfighter Jacket” that form the next musical blueprints. “Bullfighter Jacket’s” shouty gang vocals and energetic piano tinkling can be traced to plenty of current Brooklyn bands, and yet it’s clearly a Miniature Tigers track once Brand’s zany falsetto zooms over an uncharacteristically rock n’ roll guitar solo. Fortress has many transparent influences. However, the only thing clearer is the band’s thoughtful additions to said formulas (i.e. Brand’s tenor, a love for folk songwriting, semi-surreal lyrics).
After listening to the album’s denouement, which consists of the lo-fi, creepy love song “Lolita” and a metaphoric ode to (probably) Peyote called “Coyote Enchantment,” you might need a little Miniature Tigers Break. For an album built around looking at stars while in a hammock (or whatever), Fortress kind of takes a lot of listener effort. There’s parts aplenty in these seemingly simple pop songs; buried harmonies and insightful self-reflection being the tidbits that satisfy the most. Basically, Fortress will surprise some and maybe even anger others. But with the right Feel Good mindset, it can be a wonderful journey through the mind of some a.) interesting people or b.) interestingly intoxicated people. Plus, there are boobs on the cover.
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