The Mint Chicks - Screens
The appeal of The Mint Chicks is that they're like a modern take on an 80s new-wave band with melody and pop hooks coloured by the abrasion of punk. All of those elements are present on Screens, the band's third album.
Insistent, catchy songs abound but they're roughed up and angular wit the unexpected turns and textures the Mint chicks are so good at. Listen carefully and you'll hear moment reminiscent of The Vapors and The Cars.
So far, so good then, but something about Screens doesn't quite gel. The album was produced and mixed by Jacob Portrait, someone new to the Mint Chicks music. The treatment he's given the songs, mixing down the guitar, placing effects on the vocals, and the lack of bottom end in the mix gives the album a stripped out feeling.
Sometimes it sounds like you're listening to this leaking from the headphones of the person next to you on the bus. And because many of those production elements are applied across the album Screens suffers from a degree of sameness.
There are some great songs on this album but they seem like they would really come to life with a different mix or if heard live.
Reviewed by Chris Walker
