Screaming Mimes

What they say:

"The lyrics lead listeners into the dark caverns of the heart, but the music itself radiates bright, catchy melodies with a lineage that can be traced directly to pop's most potent songwriters, from John Lennon to XTC's Andy Partridge. The Mimes aim to make substantial music that's instantly accessible... " Cynthia Hanifin/Enquirer 2-18-05

"Fans who are suckers for great power pop tunes will find a pocketful on the debut CD from Screaming Mimes out this week. 'Live My Life' is a disc full of cerebral, catchy guitar pop, often with three-part harmonies, delightfully derivative of the Beatles-to-Barenaked Ladies tradition. Locally the CD is reminiscent of such great power pop bands as the psychodots and the Simpletons. Contrary to the way the music business works, the album is proof that often older, accomplished musicians with something to say make the most interesting music. The disc is full of adult pop themes from lost loves to laments on the state of TV to songs that capture the frustrations of spousal spats. It's accomplished, carefree music from musicians who aren't afraid to wear their emotions on their sleeves, cranking out toe-tapping pop hooks, mixing styles from the occasional ska and punk lick to a power ballad to in-your-face rock..." Rick Bird/Cincinnati Post 2-17-05

"If you were born before 1970 and hung out in the Cincinnati music scene circa 1978-1979, the band's sound will remind you of The Turtles and Buddy Holly and The Crickets, and the sunnier-sounding songs of The Beatles and The Raisins. If you were born after 1970, the band will put you in mind of the Barenaked Ladies (the group they're most frequently compared to, although the bond is found more in their good-natured attitude than in their music) and, of course, the sunnier-sounding songs of The Beatles. Unpretentious, pure Pop is what The Mimes are all about. They can be placed comfortably in the genre "Nice Guy Rock." But The Mimes aren't "beige on beige" simply because their sound is bright and appealing to a wide audience. There's nothing generic about feeling good when you can write an intelligent, killer lyric and play a mean guitar..." Dale Johnson/Citybeat 2-9-05

"Power Pop with a brain and a sense of humor (note their name) is the Mimes' calling card. A killer guitar is arc-welded to Dave Storm's playful, thoughtful lyrics, while a powerful rhythm section merrily bangs away. If Alaskan Huskies played music, they'd sound like the Screaming Mimes -- and that's a compliment." Dale Johnson/Citybeat 9-23-04

Influences: Elvis Costello The Beatles XTC Crowded House Barenaked Ladies Joe Jackson Counting Crows Weezer Fountains of Wayne Kinks Who Police Talking Heads Tears for Fears Led Zeppelin YES Tom Waits Jack Johnson Ben Harper Jason Mraz Swarthy Cars Bears Psychodots Lazlo Bane Beach Boys Buddy Holly REM Red Hot Chili Peppers Ryan Adams Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers U2 Keller Williams