MANSIONS - Self-Titled [EP]

Doghouse Records

June 20, 2008, 01:00 AM

I mildly enjoyed this EP. Mansions initially reminded me of Motion City Soundtrack. That quickly wore off.

There’s nothing really here. No catchy hooks, no ripping guitar riffs, nothing. Only the words "Fuck You" to grace the EPs beginning. A very bland and boring record if I am honest. All the tracks are really similar, and the vocalist doesn't have the most exiting voice. It reminds me of Michael Stipe of R.E.M., without the whining!

The only decent song on this EP is ‘Tangerine’. The lyrics in this song are great (apart from the whole tangerine thing?), and it actually flows! It’s a decent song. I just wonder why they don’t take this approach with their other songs? I think Mansions would benefit a lot more if they did.

It’s one thing to be different, but make sure that it’s a different that isn’t boring and will sell units. Take bands like Muse, Biffy Clyro or most notably the great Pink Floyd. These bands know how to be different yet still sell records. If this band loves the music they play and are happy with what they’re doing then I have no objection to that. How are they at selling records though? I wouldn’t buy it. And I wouldn’t advise anyone else to buy or even listen to it either. Songwriters may like to read the lyrics, as I find them quite interesting and meaningful, but that’s about it.

The last song ‘Told A Lie’ is a must avoid. I listened to it once all the way through and it got on my nerves so much that I punched my speakers! I want 3 minutes of my life back! I could have made a certain noodle snack instead of listening to such mumbling nonsense.

This was an unpleasant listening experience, and I wouldn’t advise anyone to buy it.