mineral girls

On their third full length, "this is the last time every time", Mineral Girls woke up from a good night's sleep, showered, and stepped out into the sunlight. The band left their bedrooms to record at a real studio this time around (the aptly named "Legitimate Business" in Greensboro, NC), embracing a newfound appreciation for clarity. Rather than hiding behind lo-fi hisses and buried vocals, everything is out in the open here; this is who they are. 

This honest and open approach is spread throughout every facet of the release; the band is grappling with some demons here. Tackling themes of addiction, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and tumultuous relationships, the album could be seen as some sort of long-playing internal crisis. In fact, in one of the album's most ambitious moments, the drunken "voice of god" is heard having what can only be described as a literal existential breakdown in the middle of a track. Lead singer Brett Green's despair sounds less urgent, more static as he spontaneously weaves his way through the band's most intricate arrangements to date. 

The songs are often unpredictable, you may find yourself settling into the groove of one section only to be yanked in a totally different direction without notice. At first, this may feel disorienting, however, this is an album that rewards multiple listens. And besides, it's all part of the charm "this is the last time every time" is the band coming to terms with the fact that they may never be comfortable in their own skin and, maybe more importantly, realizing that's okay.

This is the only way to live, drowning in riffs with your friends.