Music Reviews

“monroe_mustang”

Monroe Mustang

Plain Sweeping Themes for the Unprepared

Trance Syndicate

Smooth and subdued, Monroe Mustang take their subtle melodicism pretty seriously. Their Austin origins lead me to believe there may be a new minimalism coming out of the Lone Star state. The first few listens are like a lazy beach afternoon, lolling on a floating air mattress. Subsequent plays reveal the unique character of each song, as sly hooks and memorable choruses begin sticking out of the gently waving guitar/drum/bass arrangements. The music often reminds me of Galaxie 500, or even Bongwater’s quieter moments – especially tracks like “Elephant Sound,” with its distinctly harmonized vocals.

Plain Sweeping Themes for the Unprepared is full of musical majesty, classical constructions from the simplest of elements. Place this next to your American Analog Set and Bedhead discs. Trance Syndicate, P.O. Box 49771, Austin, TX 78765


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