Mystery Jets - Twenty One

OK, quick question: The Beatles: Which one is the superior album: Revolver or A Hard Days' Night? For most, the immediate answer would be obviously Revolver. It's more experimental, interesting, yada yada yada. However, for me, there are times when I'm in the mood for something that I can just simply bob my head to. On some days I prefer the simpler and dancier early Beatles to the artsier and fartsier later Beatles. Know what I mean?

How does this relate to Mystery Jets latest release Twenty One? Well, Twenty One may be a simpler sounding album, but less enjoyable? Not so much. As you may remember, the debut Making Dens (or Zootime depending on where you live) did not make any excuses for its slightly obvious prog like feel. The complex structures and the abstract lyrics certainly directed the album to a particular type of audience; one who was poised and ready to embrace its inner flower mask and inflatable pig (prog fans will understand the reference.) So for those who loved that album, the simpler straight forward approach of Twenty One may seem somewhat less fulfilling. But you won't find me seeking solace under my Rick Wakeman poster just yet. (I mean, hey, I don't have a Rick Wakeman poster. Gulp.)

In short, Twenty One is just as good as Making Dens, and depending on my mood, even better. Father Henry's influence is significantly less obvious on this one, and the band has decided to borrow heavily from the sheeny shiny pop of the 80's. (In fact, in one interview they claim to be influenced by Phil Collins, while their myspace says Hall & Oates. Either way, I say 'what the?') Whether or not they are doing this with tongue planted firmly in cheek is difficult to say, but it sounds like it is. And that makes the album a very enjoyable listen. Hideaway and first single Young Love both have a very Tears For Fears kind of vibe to them, with a slight lean toward a discofied Duran Duran. The latter song includes vocals by Laura Marling, adding an extra layer of sweetness. Some of the songs, like Half In Love With Elizabeth and Flakes, have been introduced to me earlier when I saw them perform last year. Although these cuts would not have felt out of place on Dens, even they make a little bit more of a forthright appeal. Behind The Bunhouse is perhaps the most adventurous song on the album, starting out introspective before building into a slight rockabilly shuffle (which reminds me a bit of The Smiths' Vicar In A Tutu.) Regardless to say, overall I'm enjoying Twenty One quite a bit, and although it's definitely what I would refer to as an "I have to be in the mood for it" sort of album. But when I'm in that mood, it doesn't get much better than this.

Myspace: Mystery Jets
Video: Young Love on youtube
Video: Flakes on youtube

Mystery Jets @ The El Mocambo

It's been a long time coming, but The Mystery Jets had finally graced our grimy Toronto stages last night over at the El Mocambo on Spadina. The show was outstanding beyond words, but I'm going to do my best to put it into words. To start off with, the guys were clearly ecstatic about being here in Toronto, and that youthful enthusiasm translated well onto the stage. Their set was a fine mix of both the old and the new. In speaking with the guys, they were a little bit leery about introducing too many new songs to their North American audience, but they need not have worried so. What the crowd lacked in volume, was made up for in appreciative exuberance, as the new material was greeted with great enthusiasm. I was particularly enthralled with the talent displayed by lead vocalist Blaine Harrison. The way he switched off from instrument to instrument, sometimes within the course of the same song, was truly impressive. The band has a true love of music, both classic and current, and I must admit that I enjoyed talking about music with lead guitarist William Rees before the show, as much as I enjoyed listening to them display that love throughout their performance. (Playing foosball with the man is another story altogether. He's real good. Too good in fact. I'm suspicious.) He even recommended to me a great band called Late Of The Pier. More on that in a future post.

One minor disappointment is the fact that Henry, while still a very active member of the band, no longer joins them on live performances. However, his influence is still very much present in the band's slight lean towards all things prog, from the instrumental blast that opened the show, to the powerful rendering of "Alas Agnes" at the end of the night. I'm not sure what the future holds for the band and their relationship with Canada. This may be the last time we see them here. Or, perhaps their return will be marked with greater interest and larger venues. Either way, it was truly inspiring to see them play this time around. Well worth the wait.

Photos: The Mystery Jets at El Mocambo flickr

Videos: You Can't Fool Me Dennis youtube
Alas Agnes youtube
The Boy Who Ran Away youtube

Myspace: Mystery Jets

Mystery Jets coming to Toronto!!!

Fact: The Mystery Jets are one of the best and most original bands in the world today. Fact: They are still vastly underrated here in Canada and, sadly, throughout most of the planet. Fact: They're coming to Toronto on September 20th to play the El Mocambo. Fact: Tix are only $13.50. Fact: You should make a valiant effort to be there.

The Mystery Jets were one of the very first artists I had ever blogged about and the reason why is because of how much I thoroughly enjoy their contributions to indie rock today. Their lyrics are witty and original and their music is all over the place while still remaining cohesive throughout. First of all, the band dynamic is something that you don't see everyday. Lead vocalist Blaine Harrison is in the unique position of having his father Henry play lead guitar in the band. This enables the band to be rather timeless in terms of the music they play, simply by being influenced from several different generations. Their music ranges from new wave and brit-pop to classic prog and psychedelic influences as well. This will be the United Kingdomers first time in Canada (they were supposed to be here earlier but it fell through due to a Visa situation,) so it would be beyond sweet if they enjoyed their stay so much that it encouraged them to return again soon. Sample their music below and make sure you come out to see them on September 20th.

Videos:
You Can't Fool Me Dennis youtube
Alas Agnes youtube
The Boy Who Ran Away youtube

Myspace:
The Mystery Jets