[email protected] Mystery Date "Dreaming in Black & White" 7"
Debut 7" from Mystery Date after a really good demo cassette made the rounds here at HQ.
A legit two-songer in traditional power-pop fashion, "Dreaming in Black & White" is action-pop all the way, a big enough hook to land a bigger fish than me, very strong UK powerpop vibes (including a little bit of an accent?), hard fuzz solo and some creative songwriting/structure. These are not standard verse/chorus/verse dum-dum power-pop tunes, there are some twists'n'turns to the ride. B-Side
is just as UK-reverent with a crafty hook, maybe even a bit more rock'n'roll (the solo in particular). Reminds me a little of Joe Jackson for some reason (though I'm not sure if they'll like that reference, but I dig JJ's first two LPs). Listening to this I'm impressed that these guys sound a lot like something that Low Down Kids would have dug up if it was 30 years older. I'm also reminded a bit of Japanese bands like Firestarter and First Alert (moreso) and how a band today can be influenced by Seventies powerpop as heard through semi-modern Japanese interpretaions - weird, but it works. Scum stats: 300 copies only, I like that they're on the same label as Real Numbers, as they share a similar aesthetic spirit. (RK)
(Three Dimensional // www.brainlapsefanzine.com/threedimensionalrecords)
Mystery Date s/t cassette
Demo tape from Mystery Date (singular, not plural), a power-pop outfit from St. Paul, MN, whose membership I can't verify, but they run in the same circle of super tough bands like Boys Club, Real Numbers, Cozy and other hard-hitters who bring the mosh. But seriously folks, this is good stuff, more of a Brit-styled version of power-pop that overlaps a bit with Who-ish late Sixties mod-rock. Very reverent to the genre (almost reminds me a little of an American First Alert even), and with enough talent to keep the hooks coming over all nine tracks. Loud guitars, classy backing vox and it's not overly whiny - these guys seem like they actually get the girls sometimes, instead of just wishing they were getting laid. Singer sounds cool and just a bit aloof. Extra helping of power on the guitars, no slow jams and a bass player that can really go. "Talking and Talking" and "The One You Really Want" stood out to me, but "Light Speed Romance" is fu***ng fantastic, and so good I'm convinced it's a cover. And they have a 7" coming out soon on Three Dimensional with all new stuff. If you're a power-popper you should be listening to this instead of that limpdick Burger s**t. At least these guys sound like they have some hair on their balls. $5ppd in the US, send them a check!(RK)
(Midway House // 1637 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104)
From Three-Dimensional on the Dreaming in Black and White Single-
We here at Three Dimensional Records are beyond excited to announce the release of Mystery Date's debut single. Both sides are timelessly great mod powerpop that do a deft job blurring the temporal lines between 1965, 1979, and 2013. "Dreaming in Black and White" is driven by a remarkably infectious undulating verse that builds into an instantly memorable chorus. There's a high probability you'll find this song creeping into your head a few hours after first hearing it because so far that's what happened to us and everyone we've played it for. "Endless Nights" on the b-side is just as catchy, but in a more overtly Who-inspired vein. If this had been released 25 or 30 years ago Mystery Date would be mentioned in the same breath as bands like Excel, Seventeen, and Chardon Square. Lucky for you "Dreaming in Black and White" was released this year rather than 1980 because now you can get your hands on this for just $5. Sometimes living in the modern world has its advantages. in the "mosh pit" at your show tonight i got a scratch on my neck that looks like a hicky. that's how much i love your band - it give me hickys.
-Max Markin
Come to this on Friday, your buddy and mine Max Markin will be kicking it off with a few tunes, then you can see my neighbors Little Fevers and the real deal South Dakota legends Isanti!!!
20/10/2023
Hitting the road for Chicago and Milwaukee with my dudes Zach McCormickMartin Carl August Mueller to play some music and see my homies Wendy NortonRyan King playing in Jinksie and Spidora at the Quarters in MKE and Liars club in Chicago.
16/04/2023
Looking for some locals to open this one up in Chicago next Saturday.
01/11/2023
20/10/2023
16/04/2023