With a smart brand of indie art-rock that is musically complex, Portland, OR’s Menomena hits their stride on Mines with interesting experimentations that consistently succeed as cohesive songs. Mines is an excellent follow-up to 07’s breakthough Friend and Foe, with intelligent lyrics and melodic arrangements that achieve a nice balance from track to track, from the fast garage rock of “Taos” to the slower, mellow “Queen Black Acid” and “Intil”. Menomena’s accomplishment is impressive given the arguments, simmering resentment and relationship failures detailed in drummer Danny Seim’s tour blog, but it all comes together on another one of my favorite albums this year. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Bear in Heaven, Here We Go Magic, Lackthereof, Ramona Falls, Suckers, Wolf Parade