MINDSLIP – Rising Up
When you think of Florida what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe oranges? Maybe it’s the brutally hot and humid weather? Or how about The Villages? You know, the place where Ensure is consumed by the case, hip replacements are a normality and 8:30 p.m. is a wild night out. Well, the Sunshine State may be known for all those things, (insert cheesy infomercial voice) BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Florida is also a hotbed, to say the least, for musical talent, spawning bands such as Cold, Nonpoint, Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide and Morbid Angel just to name a select few. And now, hailing from Jacksonville, come MINDSLIP and their sophomore album titled Rising Up.
From the opening note of “Jade”, I knew that I was in for something really special. MINDSLIP’s sound is one that we are all very familiar with. Both musically and vocally, the band come off like a punchy, yet melodic combination of P.O.D (only without the rap style vocals), Saliva and 10 Years. Vocalist Matt Boucher’s ultra-polished vox style is a crucial focal point of MINDSLIP’s overall identity. “Jade” is fueled with ripping riffs, thumping grooves and velvety smooth vocals.
Not to be outdone, tracks like “Broken Picture Frames”, “Under The Spell” and “Chasing The Clouds” are all fantastic as well. Probably my favorite song on the album, “Broken Picture Frames” will not only infect your mind, but also tell a heart wrenching tale of a broken family. Guitarists Robert Miller and John Smith’s six string action is stellar and absolutely rock solid, while Taz Baker and James Overstreet’s bass and drum work are fantastic. This song is so infectious that once you push play, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) is put on high alert. “Under The Spell” features some really cool P.O.D style bounce during the verses that open the floodgates to the deep choruses. Slowing things down a notch, MINDSLIP take us on a thundering, emotionally-charged ride in “Chasing The Clouds.” Miller and Smith’s clean guitar work leads the way, while Boucher’s vocals and Baker’s bass lay the foundation for what’s to come. One thing that this song exudes is a ton of emotion. Once the band reaches the chorus, you are hit with a tidal wave which drenches you in giant walls of distortion. If pushed the right way, this song could be an absolute monster on rock radio.
One thing I would like to mention is the production of the album. Recorded and produced by Stan Martell of Martell Productions, the album sounds amazing. From the thick, rich guitar tone to the bottom heavy bass and thunderous kick drum, it’s all there. Boucher’s voice sounds especially good with all the layering they did with his vocals. That is one thing that is a must for music these days and Rising Up takes full advantage of it.
Other songs worth mentioning would be “Hollywood Girl” and “Faceless Soldier.” If you want straight up, in your face melodic rock with an edge, you need to check out “Hollywood Girl.” It’s loaded with chunky riffs, a ton of swagger and oozes sex appeal. This is one of those songs that you walk into a “club” and find a girl by the name of “Destiny” dancing to. Closing out the album is “Faceless Soldier”, which is probably the heaviest track on the album. With the raging guitar licks behind him, Boucher takes the listener on a journey with his ever-so-winding chords. Adding some dynamics to the mix, MINDSLIP throw in some heavy background screams for good measure which fit perfectly. The end of the track features a pretty nasty groove that will have your head bouncing for hours.
MINDSLIP have created a beautiful piece of rock-art from start to finish. Sure, they may not be the most original band in the universe, but honestly, WHO CARES? For me, a good album is all about quality songs that stick in your head for days, weeks and months at a time. Well, this album has that and so much more. Rising Up is like the latest designer drug – once you get a taste, you’re hooked for life.
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16 Comments
May 6th, 2010 at 1:01 am
I love coming to your site and checking out your reviews. You guys have turned me on to some great music. This band here for example, I had never heard of them before but from what I hear in the preview it sounds kick ass and your review backs that statement up. The only problem I have is when you guys turn me on to something new and fresh the band is so obscure I can never get my hands on their cd. What to do? There have been a lot of bands your site has turned me on to (that I could get my hands on a hard copy of their cd) and I really appreciate that. Keep up the great work. You guys have really helped extend my already extensive metal collection. Im really glad I came across your site. Thanks. Btw Godsmack The Oracle is hands down no argument the album of 2010 (insert sarcasm)!!!
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May 6th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Love this album to the core. I've been listening to it non-stop all week. It's funny that Broken Picture Frames ended up being your favorite on the album because that's mine as well. The other thing I liked about this album, which you touched on, was the subtle satire. The songs about the psychotic stripper girlfriend, etc. It's just in-your-face topics with "swagger".
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May 6th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Jakester and Daryn thanks for the comments. I'm telling you, this album has been in my player since I got it. Ill find myself looking for something to throw in and Im like "Where is Mindslip?" LOL! Jakester, thank you for all the kind words about the site. We all work really hard to bring you guys the freshest acts out there and I believe we do a great job at that. I know that some of the albums might be hard to get a hold of, but just keep trying. Go through this site, the bands site or their management. But, if there is any that your having particularly a hard time with, email me and Ill try in give you any help I can. Now realize I cant give you the cd (ha ha ha trust me, Ive been asked!), but I will try and help you get your hands on a copy.
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May 6th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Thanks for consistently reviewing the best of the best heavy music that is out there ! I visit this site first thing every morning. You have turned me onto many bands I had never heard before. The Mindslip CD sounds great, now I just need to get my hands on it. Keep up the awesome work.
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May 6th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Thanks jakester and Marc for your kind words about the site.
We'll be featuring Mindslip in All Access next week, so make sure to check that out!
While it's not usually my kind of music, I have to admit that "Jade" is a fantastic song (I haven't really listened to the rest of the album yet). I still swear I've heard "Jade" somewhere before. It is as catchy as any song you will hear!
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May 6th, 2010 at 11:02 am
WOW.. I couldn't hit my reply button fast enough! We are so extremely thrilled of this review. Straight forward and honest. All of our reviews have been favorable… with yours being the most refreshing as it addressed the fluency of the whole album and how each song's individual style is just as sustainable as any other national rock band. We are aiming for the mainstream rock sector, and luckliy MINDSLIP reaches just a little farther in the demographics then other popular music out there with listeners from 13 to 65!
[MINDSLIP]
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May 6th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Thanks Lee and Jen for taking the time to respond to my comments. It just emphasizes even more to me how great this site it and your passion for music and this site. Like Marc said I cant get my day started until I check out your site. Lee I appreciate your interest in helping me get my hands on something obscure that I really am having trouble locating. I may take you up on that at some point. Again thank you. Im a fan for as long as you will have me. LOL!!!
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May 6th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I love when you guys give us props. The fact that you check the site first thing in the morning as a daily task makes me even more proud of the writing I put forth along with the rest of the crew. I actually do the same thing. I always check to see what new reviews are up and make a mental list of what I want to checkout. Marc, jakester and MINDSLIP, you guys RULE!
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May 6th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Right back at ya Daryn St. Pierre! This site RULES!!! You guys do a great job with your reviews. Again, like I said before, you guys have turned me on to some great new bands and music. It doesnt get much better than that. Props to everyone associated with this site!!
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May 7th, 2010 at 11:12 am
I have scanned the internet for years looking for a dedicated site that looked professional and was backed up with people who knew what they were talking about. Bar none, The New Review absolutely kills everything else that is out there when it comes to finding the best heavy music available today. I also like that each genre that is being reviewed is open minded that if you are a dedicated thrash lover and a review is on a more commercial hard rock act, they don't slam that particular band because the reviewer does not have a taste for anything outside their own boundaries of likes and dislikes.
The hardest part of actually looking everyday and finding the new bands that you are exposing is actually trying to obtain that music after the fact. My own personal library is enormous and the only addiction I seem to pocess is the constant drug of trying to find cutting edge music in which your site has helped fulfill.
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May 7th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I couldnt say it any better Marc. You and I share the same sentiments about The New Review. It is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the best site for heavy music. I too Marc have an extensive music collection and this site has helped extend that collection by turning me on to some of the more underground obscure music. It not only turns my ear on to some new fresh sounds but it also helps those bands with a little love and exposure. Sometimes that exposure might not be the best exposure if the musics not the great and the review is indicative of that, but, hey, any exposure is good exposure, right? It gets people to hear their music either way, good or bad. I have always prided myself on finding new music that most of my friends dont listen to and turning them on to it, but The New Review has helped mr find some really good music that I probably never would have heard if it wasnt for their great work. Thanks again to the whole staff. You guys KICK-ASS!!!!!!!!!
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May 7th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
People like Jakester are the fuel to keep this site going.
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May 7th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Thanks Chris Quick! Ironically as I logged on and saw your comment im actually listening to one of the cds that you and your review caught my interest. Upon A Burning Body-The World Is Ours. What a badass album?! Thanks again dude and keep the reviews coming!!!
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May 18th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I SAW MINDSLIP SAT NIGHT AND THEY ROCKED THE HOUSE, THE NEW ALBUM "RISING UP" IS AWSOME START TO FINISH — CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM AGAIN……..OP
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February 9th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Wow, I didn't realize this review was so old at first..could have sworn I saw it posted recently. Odd.
Anyhow, I happened upon this band with the TNR STDTM compilation queued in Winamp with a ton of other metal (mostly deathcore type stuff), and "BROKEN PICTURE FRAMES" hit my ears..that caught my attention! (as you'd expect amidst much heavier material). I had to go find Lee's review (above) and re-read it, then find the album in question.
I love the vocals. More later.
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Lee Rochester replied:
February 9th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
NICE! These guys are fantastic aren't they? Thanks for checking out my review Chris! Definitely let me know what you think.
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