With “Serotonin,” Mystery Jets are proving that, though they started out strong, they’re only getting better with each album they come out with. In previous albums, the band’s efforts at incorporating a wide range of styles made for an at times jarring musical experience. Their inventiveness was tantalizing but felt a bit like an identity crisis. But those days are gone. “Serotonin” carries on Mystery Jet’s trademark zaniness but without the moments of incoherence, which are now replaced by a whimsical brilliance that is unmatched by their indie pop-rock counterparts.
“Serotonin” is an unstoppable blend of numerous styles, opening with the sweeping anthem of Alice Springs. With Blaine Harrison’s warm and expansive vocals, rocked out guitars and hazy synth it makes for a tremendous beginning. Show Me The Light, one of this album’s best tracks is laced with a strong electric/house dance beat under 80’s style synths, and even Spanish guitar lines – all with what sounds like a punk inspired pop tune. If it sounds confusing, it’s not. Instead it makes for a surprising and inventive blend and a wholly enjoyable and (however they manage it) coherent track.
Flash A Hungry Smile is a playful and irreverent track with lyrics such as “Have you heard the birds and the bees/have all got STDs?” But quirky irreverence is seamlessly blended with honest and touching songs such as the wistful Waiting On A Miracle and the forlorn The Girl Is Gone, which injects the reality of heartbreak into the upbeat and energetic atmosphere of the album, showing that Mystery Jets can do it all. Dreaming Of Another World seems to teach us that such heartbreak and sadness is part of life, but that life can still be lived with the sort of joy this album embodies.
Set to be released on July 5th in the UK, “Serotonin” promises that it will more than satisfy both new and long time fans clamoring to hear more. With nearly every song having moments of magic, this album is a captivating and charmingly wacky gem.
Rating: 9/10
http://www.myspace.com/mysteryjets
- Reviewed by Christina Alifrangis
Serotonin is available at Road Records http://www.roadrecs.com
