The Mysterines are back with their second album, Afraid of Tomorrows, just about to be released. Incredibly well-made, it signs the band’s renaissance and is packed with bangers! Review.
AFRAID OF TOMORROWS – THE MYSTERINES
If their first album Reeling was already pretty skilful, Afraid of Tomorrows is a confirmation of style and aesthetics for The Mysterines. Their metamorphosis is complete. Lia Metcalfe’s wonderful vocals are, of course, at the heart of each song. And it’s in a particularly dark atmosphere that they’ll evolve, surrounded by powerful riffs. It’s with the catchy and charming The Last Dance that the band opens this new record. If the verse seems like a light invitation, the chorus is the push to plunge into it, and it’s easy to indulge with the first listen. Once trapped in the night’s web, it makes us Stray. It’s a delightful experience with so much strength in their guitars!
Textures balance each other out, adjusting to offer some round and calmer instant, tinted with blues and 90s rock, like for Another Another Another. We go to Hell willingly as the track becomes thrilling and precedes the unpredictable Tired Animal. This new album is bright even in the deepest limbo (Jesse You’re A Superstar, Hawkmoon). Firstly, thanks to its consistency and the band’s enhanced confidence in themselves. And secondly, thanks to the band’s awareness of taking their time, almost getting contemplative, before launching their next attack (Sink Ya Teeth).
With or without effects on her vocals, Metcalfe is impressive by her ability to shift the atmosphere around a song with a whisper or a cry. The saturated Junkyard Angel and the captivating Goodbye Sunshine (one of my faves here) are some great examples of this. And the band never ceases to surprise us with the electro-folk Inside a Matchbox, and the freeing So Long. The Mysterines close Afraid of Tomorrows with the folk-blues title track. Through this thrilling and unexpected universe, it’s clear that The Mysterines is up a league. It is a logical yet daring renaissance!
