FIVE FAVOURITES: Mint Field

A soothing tonic for minds that are scarred from the stresses of modern life; Tijuana-based psych trio Mint Field have shared their new EP Mientras Esperas via Innovative Leisure. Translated roughly as “While Waiting”, their new release focuses on themes of connection with the modern world, and how our own well-being is affected by it.

Following the success of their 2018 debut Pasar de la Luces, and now with bass player Sebastian Neyra on board; Amor Amezcua and Estrella del Sol Sánchez continue to make thought provoking music with a shoegazey, dream-pop feel. We asked the band to share their “Five Favourites” – five artists or albums that have influenced their songwriting techniques. Check out their choices below, and make sure you listen to Mientras Esperas at the end of this post.

1. Beak – <<
We have no memory of coming across this album or how we discovered it, it’s as if it magically appeared in our files. We heard this album together so much last year while we were touring and we got to see Beak for the first time in Desert Daze, such an epic show. They’re definitely one of our biggest influences.

2. Kikagaku Moyo – House in the Tall Grass
We first heard Kikagaku Moyo when we were recording our debut album, Pasar de las Luces, in Detroit. Chris Koltay, our producer, has a big wall and drawers foiled with vinyl collections and one of the LP’s he put one day was this one. Ever since then, we became big fans of them. We got to see them in Desert Daze last year too and it was such a great show – they’re such a good live band.

3. Ulrika Spacek – Modern English Decoration
Ulrika’s new EP is so nice, we loved their last album as well but this one is more significant because of the fact that we got to tour with them across America last year after they released their EP. We became good friends with them and it was a gift to see them play every night, they’re a really great live band.

4. Helvetia – Helvetia’s Junk Shop
We discovered this band and album when we were touring with Ulrika Spacek, it was in one of their road trip playlists and we’ve been listening to them ever since. It has such good drums and melodies.

5. Lorelle Meets the Obsolete – De Facto
We have been fans of Lorelle Meets The Obsolete for quite some time now and this is their new album. We really loved it, specially the two last songs – they’re so good, as is the whole album really. We definitely recommend this band that also happens to be from Mexico.

Thanks to Mint Field for sharing their favourites with us! Follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Adriana Tangassi

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Mint Field – ‘Jardin de la Paz’

A soothing tonic for minds that are scarred from the stresses of modern life; Tijuana-based psych trio Mint Field have shared their new single ‘Jardin de la Paz’. Translating roughly as ‘Peace Garden’, the track is taken from the band’s upcoming EP Mientras Esperas, set for release on 1st March 1st via Innovative Leisure.

Following the success of their 2018 debut Pasar de la Luces, and now with bass player Sebastian Neyra on board; Amor Amezcua and Estrella del Sol Sánchez continue to make thought provoking music with a shoegaze, dream-pop feel. Their new EP focuses on themes of connection with the modern world and how our own well-being is affected by it.

On new track ‘Jardín de la Paz’, the trio tackle these feelings with understated vocals and melodic guitar sounds, helping listeners to acquire the peace of mind the group are searching for. Listen to the new single below and follow Mint Field on Facebook for more updates.

Photo credit: Adriana Tangassi

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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EP: LIERS – ‘Elixir’

Formed by lead singer Liz Seaver, Dublin’s LIERS spent most of 2018 cutting their teeth on the Irish live music scene. Performing at Electric Picnic and supporting bands like Fangclub (alongside Vulpynes) at popular Dublin venue Whelan’s; LIERS have taken a few moments away from the stage to share their debut EP Elixir. 

Released in January of this year, the record opens with title track ‘Elixir’. It’s a blend of 90’s tinged guitar sounds, with quiet verses leading in to loud choruses in true grunge style. LIERS cite Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and Alanis Morrissette as some of their influences, so it’s clear from the offset their EP is going to be full of power chords and powerful vocals. ‘Universal Female’ flows in the same vein, with Liz’s strong voice leading over a rush of alternative sound, designed for when you’re feeling “perfectly imperfect”.

Third track ‘Can’t Got Back’ is a melodic reminder to reluctantly move forward, even if it makes you rage and cry, whilst the penultimate ‘Realise’ is a plunge in to heavier riffs and percussion, detailing an emotional breakthrough in its lyricism. Closing track ‘Host’ is a shimmering slice of open-hearted garage rock, ending the EP on a strongly optimistic note.

Whilst their name suggests deception, it’s clear that LIERS are able to communicate their love of 90s music in an honest and melodic fashion through the five tracks that form their debut EP Elixir. Liz, Ed (lead guitar), Stephen (bass) and Ronan (drummer) should take pride in this impressive debut.

Listen to Elixir on Spotify. Follow LIERS on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Noga Erez – ‘Worth None’ (feat. Camerata Orchestra)

If you thought Tel Aviv-based producer Noga Erez could be labelled predictable, think again. After her two knockout releases in 2018 – ‘Bad Habits’ and ‘Cash Out’ – the pop renegade has returned with a reworked version of her acclaimed 2017 album, Off The Radar. Titled RaDaR Reworked, Erez has teamed up with Israel’s esteemed Camerata Orchestra to create classical versions of her contemporary songs, and she’s shared a live video for ‘Worth None’ to celebrate the release (available now via City Slang).

Renowned artist Shlomi Shaban invited Erez to perform a concert with Jerusalem’s Camerata Orchestra in 2018, arranging the tracks with respected orchestrator, Eugene Levitas. The event took place at Tel Aviv’s prestigious Performing Art Center, and was captured on film and recorded for this special release. Together with her partner and co-writer Ori Rousso; Erez’s altruistic vocals are accompanied by exquisite strings and refined, understated percussion on this enigmatic re-working.

Speaking about her new project, Erez explans: “We weren’t looking to change the songs from my debut album, but were seeking to wrap them in a new, brighter gown, that will elevate the existing sounds and give it a shiny and majestic feel.” Listen to ‘Worth None’ below and keep your ears peeled for more new music from Noga Erez later in 2019.

Order Noga Erez’s RADAR Reworked here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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