Visit Mint 400 Records HERE.
New Jersey's Mint 400 Records has been on a tear recently,
so we decided to give them their own page to help share
the news on these releases. (And no, they don't advertise
or pay us for this.) Dive in and check them out!
Sinktapes
– “Creases” (Mint 400 Records, sinktapes.com)
When I was enthusiastically handed this opus at a Mint
400 Records showcase in Brooklyn by the boss himself, Neil
Sabatino, I was, admittedly, dubious. Much as I trust Neil’s
musical instincts, it was difficult to imagine at the time
that he was, literally, sitting on a masterpiece. Spinning
this album end to end is a serious commitment – 24
tracks of indie goodness (mostly because songs are, cleverly,
including in both demo and polished form.)
The four year old New Brunswick (home of the great bands!)
outfit are already on release #4 and showing no signs of
slowing down.
This latest release, “Creases,” opens with
a cut with a rather intriguing title “Maybe Gray,”
and has the listener settling in for an easy ride which
actually runs by a lot quicker than expected. I was jamming
and writing and halfway through track three, “Blow
Me A Kiss,” before I even realized it – and
my fingers were already tapping along in time.
For those familiar with Fairmont’s signature sound,
this album will resonate as having a distinct Mint 400 flavor,
but draws from various points of reference. This writer
instantly spotted Jawbreaker and The Cure as influences
(which is never not going to be awesome.) However, the band
definitely brings something fresh and modern to the table
as well. There is no shortage of warm guitars, for starters,
and the layered vocal pattern feels kinda like being encompassed
by a bubble bath.
The next time that I looked up from grooving, I was nearing
the end of track six, “You Sulk When You Sleep,”
and that title and refrain made me smile in remembrance
of all of the times that I was an unnecessary grumpypants.
I also love that the artwork on the actual cd just says
“Special Offer.” It’s both humorous in
its ad-like demeanor as well as a hint that something rad
might just be inside.
Regarding track nine, “We Get Canoe,” I’m
not quite sure what it’s about, but fuck, is it catchy!
Early favorite, right there. By track thirteen, you realize
that you’re already at the end and about to hear the
demo versions of the songs that you were just vibing too,
and that’s pretty damn cool too.
I’m actually about to take my first trip overseas,
and I normally just spin Led Zeppelin and Band of Horses
the entire time, however, this album may just get added
to the mix – it’s that fucking soothing. Do
yourself a favor and check them out the next time they’re
in town. This is killer live material. (by Deborah
J. Draisin)
Sinktapes is:
Gabriel Chiarello on, well, everything
Thomas Dalzell on bass
Alex Kielmanksi on guitar
Ricky Kuczynski on guitar and vocals
MINT
400 RECORDS PRESENTS 1967 (Mint 400 Records)
When people argue the greatest year in popular music, 1967
is always a popular choice. Mint 400 Records had some of its
showcase artists record versions of their favorite songs from
that landmark year, with mixed results but some real delights.
It's nearly impossible to cover some of the most familiar
songs from that era without verging on karaoke, and sometimes
artists can go too far in reinventing or reinterpreting classic
rock tunes. But when it works, it can be magical, as with
Fairmont's take on the Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset"
or Neotare Fan Club's electro-pop version of "I Can't
Take My Eyes Off Of You." Jack Skuller, who debuted with
a single on Bar None when he was just 13, shows that he's
all grown up with a bluesy, sexy delivery of the Doors' "Love
Me Two Times," and The Duke of Norfolk rummages through
the history bins to unearth "The Song Of Seeonee,"
a song written for but deleted from Disney's animated "The
Jungle Book" because it was judged "too dark."
Another treat comes from The One And Nines, who unearth the
Marvelettes' "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game,"
a largely forgotten Motown gem. I would say this album is
well worth purchasing but hey, it's free! Just go to Mint
400 Records to download it! (by Jim Testa)
Young
Legs – “Resolution" / "Small Truths”
(Mint 400 Records)
This endearing two-song single cd is the latest handiwork
of all-around artist Steven Donahue. His projects feature
the assistance of Matt Olsson, Ezra Lowrey and Ashley Simon.
Currently featured on the Young Legs website is the sold-out,
freshman five-song EP entitled “The Fog and The Forest,”
which is equally cute. If you’re not happy after listening
to Young Legs’ material, something is seriously wrong
with you.
Folk songs reminiscent of children’s programming are
what we have here: innocent, free and intricate handclap-worthy
are Young Legs’ tunes. Honestly, in a world riddled
with so much angst, it’s kind of a breath of fresh
air! Banjos strum and vocals whisper their way around your
subconscious as you picture yourself surrounded by woods
– the premise of the “Fog and Forest”
EP. Man, I’m telling you, if you’re a meditative
dude, or just want to be, Donahue’s jams are the way
to go. You’ll at least virtually feel like you’ve
left the rat race behind for a spell. (by Deborah
J. Draisin)
Netorare
Fan Club – “Make Believe” (Mint 400 Records)
Hackettstown trio Netorare Fan Club (consisting of Matt
Nyugen, David Stefanowicz and John Todd,) are a brand spanking
new unit gracing Mint 400 Records with the honor of pressing
their first ever release, “Make Believe.” Clocking
in anywhere from four to six minutes per song, this synth-heavy
project instantly brings the listener back to the new wave
heyday of the 1980’s – or at least where those
bands may have gone had they survived that era. The project
is shrouded in quite a bit of mystery - pretty apt for what
they do. I’m not openly advocating anything, but…if
you happen to enjoy smokable substances, this album is absolutely
going to do it for you. Even if you don’t imbibe,
however, this is a pleasant listen. With the dog days up
ahead, I can’t say enough nice things about dreamy
musical compositions such as this one. If your head is hurting
from all of the headbanging you’ve been doing, this
recording will be just the thing you need to right it again.
Check it out! (by Deborah J. Draisin)
Underlined
Passages – S/T (Mint 400 Records)
The Baltimore duo, Underlined Passages, takes its name from
the concept of highlighting lines in a book which we find
the most relevant. Hinting on the project’s bandcamp
that the endeavor stems from the breakup of his band The Seldon
Plan, headmaster Michael Nestor and drummer Frank Corl dish
up a floaty little EP. With gracious nods to contributing
musicians Chris Shelly on percussion, Erin Snedecor on cello
and Jeremy Ragsdale on vocals, the album mournfully passes
through loneliness and optimism.
The band’s tumblr boasts a Glitter & Stillettos
quote likening them to The Beatles and Weezer – awesome
company to be listed amongst indeed. This is a great album
to sip a beer in the yard or prepare dinner to, but a late
night listen could result in some serious ennui! The album
is perfectly mixed and very easy on the ears. Worth checking
out for sure. (by Deborah J. Draisin)
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is an independently published music fanzine
covering punk, alternative, ska, techno and garage
music, focusing on New Jersey and the Tri-State
area. For the past 25 years, the Jersey Beat music
fanzine has been the authority on the latest upcoming
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