Review by Jonathan Bond
Come & join the housewarming party – MisterWives Release Debut LP ‘Our Own House’
It’s rare to feel uplifted and that bit lighter on your feet when you finish listening to an album. It’s one of the best feelings and I have to say that MisterWives have done it, which is not a bad start for a band’s career on their debut album. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them play live twice now, so I’ve been anticipating this album for quite a while and let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint.
‘Our Own House’ kicks off with insanely good pop vibes and the whole album boasts a beautiful blend of powerfully inspiring vocals, funky guitar, driving rhythms, and in your face brass with all those extra little bits that make this album just so so good. If you want to get your dancing shoes on then I’d recommend listening to ‘Best I Can Do’ and ‘Not Your Way’. They’re both brilliantly fun songs that have such deep meaning of independence and ‘knowing what you like’, tempting the listener to skip down the street and have a little jive. There is a definite 80s pop vibe in this LP so get your bow ties and dresses on people.
If you’re all about those vocal pipes then give ‘Oceans’ a play. I have to say that both live and on the record there is one sure conclusion to take from this track, Mandy can SING. Enough said, just go and listen to her. Catchy melodies are the essence of MisterWives and it’s exactly this that allows their debut album to impact on your musical memory. Take ‘Reflections’, the first song I heard from their previous E.P, once you hear it you won’t be able to get it out of your head. This continues all the way through to the heartfelt ‘Queens’, which shows the deeper side to the band, allowing the listener to sail along a sea of emotions with them. It’s those songs that make you sit back and listen that are always well received.
It’s worth mentioning that the musicianship in this band is just spot on. As a guitarist myself I especially love those clean and spangly riffs but whether you’re listening as a musician on not, you can tell that every song was well thought out. It’s safe to say that MisterWives have got whatever “it” is and I’m sure you’ll still love this album for years to come. Now, go and listen to it, get your friends to listen to it, play it in the car, then whack it up again in your headphones. This album is made to be played and enjoyed. Lose yourself, treat yourself.
Check out the interview with MisterWives when Milky Tea Kid went to Brooklyn in New York.
