Mind Spiders - Meltdown (2012)

Meltdown is non-stop energy the entire album through with fast paced garage rock and surf punk inspired riffs. The straight-forward sound has numerous, perhaps obligatory, references to spiders and makes clear its dark themes. The lyrics and occasional chiming in an eerie organ may seem an appropriate tribute to an old sci-fi film score never given its due credit, yet while one can imagine a disutopian future in “Skull Eyed” and “Meltdown”, the album would be worth listening to solely for the call to arms “Fall in Line”, “Join us Now”, and “Wait for Us”. Similar to the Misfits, Mind Spiders don’t take themselves too seriously and this translates into lighthearted and fun listening. Other noteworthy tracks include “You are Dead” and “Beat”. Check this video if you don't believe me.


Mind Spiders - "Wait For Us" from stereogum on Vimeo.

Jonquil - One Hundred Suns (2010)

Tex says: A group of youngsters from Oxford, England, Jonquil have described themselves as "Paul Simon's take on the Smiths." They do indeed share Simon's lifting of Afro pop guitar lines (a la Vampire Weekend), and a good brit-pop sensibility of moping for the music's sake. Despite the moping, this band is playful, infectious, and talented. The group's US debut EP, One Hundred Suns has been a frequent guest in my headphones, and I'm calling Jonquil as a buzz band after their South By Southwest appearance this coming March. Just watch. In the meantime, check out the lilting "Fighting Smiles" (mp3).