Search - Mock Orange :: Mind Is Not Brain

Nothing is like this

jordan | texas | 08/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off let me start by saying I have been a fan of this band since Nines & Sixes was released and have watch the sound change with each new release. When The Record Play came out at first I was not sure what to think about it but it grew to become more cherished then the album before it. Next we were all very surprised by the First EP. This did not sound anything at all like the Mock Orange I knew when I was growing up. The vocals were sang at a higher note, the guitars where more crunchy with solos, and the rhythm section was allot more funky at times. The change was that while I was growing up, they were as well. One should never expect a band not to experiment with new things because growth is good.



OK, now let me get to Mind Is Not Brain. This album carries the new sound of The First EP yet expands on it. You have some of the melodies of The Record Play, the speed of Nines and Sixes, and at the same time a new vibe in which they have never found before. These songs are full of energy and head bobbing grooves that should make anyone want to dance and move around. I would recommend this album to anyone that was about to go on a road trip.



The album starts out with Payroll, which is a good indication of what to expect on the album. This song hits you hard with bass, lots of feed back, and one of the most interesting guitar lines I have heard in years. The title track could be the Gem of the album. This song starts out very slow and works it's was to one hell of a high point, only to slow down again. I wish I could write songs like this. Making Friends is sure to please all the fans that can't get enough of Nines & Sixes. This sound can make any mix CD. Old Man is my favorite on the album. The bass lines is really laid back, has slide guitars and some very philosophical lyrics that no one could dislike. Hawks Can God will make you move. Birds will put a smile on your face with all its amazing solo's. Do You Want Out have a breakdown that cannot even be described in words? This is may 2nd favorite on the album. Can't Seem To Think is an acoustic melody that makes you feel good inside. This nation is one more that old fans could really dig. It's a perfect album closer, fast, good lyrics that cum all else up, and it makes you want more.



All in all I think everyone should give this album a try even if you did not dig The First EP. This could end up becoming your #1 album of the year.

"

These guys could be the next rock & roll heros

Ash | middle America | 08/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this album is amazing form start to finish. I was lucky enough to acidentally catch them at a show and was blown away. bought the album right then and thier and ahve since ordered all the others from this website.



old man -10

do you want out - 10

MINB - 10

Payroll - 10

Oh My God - 10

Birds - 10

Hawks can God - 10

Making Friends - 10

This Nation - 10



all the others are 9



Get this album."

Mind Is For Change

Aaron J. Laroux | 05/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you think of older Mock Orange, you think of an emo-esque band that played offbeat punk melodies. Some of the most complex, and most impressive music to be put out at the time it was produced. I wrote a review a while back about how much I disliked The First EP by this band.



I'm willing to retract what I've said. While I find some disturbing similarities to Built To Spill(I Keep Saying So Long), the truth is that Mock Orange is still as musically impressive as they were back when 9's and 6's was released. The only difference is that the singer has retooled his singing voice, and that the music has taken on more of a feel for the experimental indie scene, and older style guitar work(Alman Brothers, Tom Petty).



My problem with The First EP, was that Mock Orange changed their sound completely. I wasn't really ready for that shift musically when it was released, and even to this day, I hold what I said about the CD to heart. However, with Mind Is Not Brain, I feel a CD that focuses on maturity, rather than on direction. While I think the change was very sudden, and would've liked a slower progression to the new form, I can't complain at this time about it.



Here's the unfortunate side effect of Mind Is Not Brain: the lyrics aren't that deep. Part of what I enjoyed about Mock Orange was that their previous albums, on top of being musically impressive, were also lyrically sound. I find myself being a little bit less swayed with the words that are sung on Mind Is Not Brain. For instance, "I was at a red light, he was at a green light" sounds very under thought(same with "in 1975, I wasn't alive, I wasn't a guy, I wasn't a girl"). While the musical ability is intact, it feels like they've taken a step back in the concepts of their lyrics.



But that's a small price to pay for a good CD. What you have to do with this CD is to disregard Mock Orange's previous efforts, because they are simply different types of music. When you are willing to open yourself up to this CD, you will be much more surprised and pleased with it. If you are a fan of Mock Orange, and understandably, find yourself put off by their new sound, do not feel that you are alone. I am personally unsure of this direction, however, I almost consider this CD to be from a totally different band from the original. Give it a chance, listen to it a few times, and you'll understand what I mean.



Let it be known, Mock Orange is one of the most musically proficient bands out there today. If you are a fan of music in general, you should not pass up a chance to hear this disc. It impresses me, and even I was originally mad at their idea to change their sound.



I would give this CD a 4.5, just because there's a few spots on the CD that sound almost identical, but I feel 5 stars is fine. If it wasn't for bands like Mock Orange, who were willing to step outside their genre, music would never have matured the way it has. Think about that, when you listen to this CD."