Boston quartet, Muck And The Mires, have a reputation as a great Garage Rock band and to some extent, that is a little unfair, giving you an impression that they are noisy and lo-fi and they are neither. They are incredibly melodic and know what they are about. They can also play.
On approaching this review, I also came in from the wrong angle. After constantly being down a rabbit hole hole here, pulled into a variety of genres, I thought it would be refreshing to hear something more guitar led and straight ahead. There is nothing straight ahead about this lot and boy, can they play.
They can do it all without ever resorting to a ballad. At times, they can be a slightly noisier Merseybeat, but are equally adept at UK Beat. They can sound like something on the Stiff label and very UK New Wave, but they are equally comfortable with Rhythm And Blues.
They can edge into Power Pop and yet show the Indie Rock bands of today how to do things properly. They also do Jangle Pop really well. There is nothing meat and potatoes about the band, they are melodic, offer up killer riffs and memorable choruses.
You might think them Retro, but what is left to do that isn't such? Lemon And Lime is almost Surf, The World's Gone Mad crosses Beat with Psych Pop. She's Too Good For You is very Medway, but has a wonderful Jangle about it.
Mary Ann Man is great US 60s Garage Rock, yet You Can't Try It (Before You Buy it) is a wonderful all together now with more excellent Jangle Pop. I also love the wit in reprising the opener, Beat Revolution, as Beat Revolution 9. There is much to like admire in a band that are versatile, but know how to get you moving. Great Stuff!
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD or as a download.
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