| mina are a four piece band from berlin, representative of the current creative activity that's happening in the city at the moment. this, their second album, showcases their love of american alternative music and the local club scene to impressive effect. first noticeable thing that hits you is the slinky funk backing and heavy guitars of 'radio'. tightly arranged and delivered, this is proof that the marriage of rock and house didn't stop with british bands.
the pole produced 'desktop' is a terrific slab of swinging anthemic pop, insanely catchy organ riffs and grungy guitars counterpoint masha's pet-shop boys style vocal delivery. in fact, this has more than a hint of new order about it. actually the intro to 'no.4' sounds distinctly like joy division. 'yourself' is an unusual stop-start track reminiscent of junglist rhythms, all backed to squealing guitars and frenetic bass playing. lazy, i know, but the closest comparision i can make is like a more poppier version of fridge. a wide plethora of instruments and effects are employed but not to abstract or noisy effect, but instead to enhance the catchy riffs and well crafted melodies.
due to marketing men having their way, this will pass most people by. which is a real shame, because there are some great ideas here. for those regular consumers of absorb, this album will contain references that'll seem familiar. melodies, rhythms and compositions all presented in a genuinely fresh style. seek them out before others do. highly recommended.
(7) - reviewed by ehrich weiss
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