Mixtapes & Cellmates
Rox
Nomethod
Returning late last year with their proper second record, Mixtapes & Cellmates have improved in every aspect. Whilst their debut and prior EPs were restrained in their reflective qualities, "Rox" sees them invert that. Could it all be the addition of a drummer? Or could it be the leaps and bounds frontman Robert Svensson has made as a songwriter (as evident on his solo debut)? I believe it's that, and the band coming together as a whole. Theor love of early 90s noisy shoegaze is exemplified on songs such as"Soon", "Rain, letters, memories" and "The lesser half of cynical boys", as is the influence of 80s British guitar pop on "Sunday", "All of the above" and "Soft eyes". What set this apart from their comtemporaries whose output may be similar is that Mixtapes take it all a bit further, adding that bit more screeching guitar notes and maxing out their phase pedals. Everything on this has a bit more emphasis, and it all melds together into blissful music.
- Matt Giordano
