Mines

Artist: Menomena
Label: Barsuk
Website: menomena.com

There are just some bands out there that seem to consistently balance music with art. They use each component to emphasize the big picture and deliver on album after album. Some big names that come to mind are Radiohead, Spoon and Built To Spill but in that same conversation I would easily insert Portland's Menomena.

On the band's new long-player Mines, they once again blur the two worlds with a record that initially feels more subdued but packs just as big of a punch. It is Menomena's surgical approach to these 11 tracks that pull you in close and simply don't let go. It is also the most engaging part of Mines because the band mesmerizes you with their layered harmonies and precision instrumentation that when the record concludes you just nod to yourself and inherently know that it was superb. The best part is that even on the loudest track 'Taos', Menomena still take the time to let you absorb the lyrics before they rev the foot tapper back up.

Mines is a record that gleams more and more after every spin and it is easy to say that Menomena have done it again with a record that will easily place high in many best of lists for 2010.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note