Guitars, Drums, Tones, and Saxophones

Thought About Growing Up

Mixtapes are a band from Cincinnati who have already been spoken of here. They joined up with the venerable Death to False Hope Records, and released the absurdly addictive album/EP Maps that is already destined for a spot on my top 10 of 2010 (likely in the top 5. Seriously, I can’t stop listening). Now, these pop-punkers are back with a 4-song EP, again for download from DTFH. So how’s it fare?

Well, Thought About Growing Up features the same male-female vocals that featured so prominently on Maps. Maura’s sweet delivery during the quieter moments contrast well with Ryan’s somewhat harsher style when things amp up a bit, but the two harmonize extremely well. As they play more together and write more material, it’s clear that they’re becoming more aware of their strengths and utilizing them better.

The songs here feel like a logical extension of the Maps material, and could probably be thrown on the end of that record, feeling right at home. The highlight is probably “Morning Sex & AM Radio,” which was also featured on the recent DTFH comp We Can’t Be Everything We Wanted to Be. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes, it’s the second-longest song on the EP (the whole thing runs about 7 minutes. Punk!), and reminds me of “Nothing Can Kill the Grimace” from Maps. Uptempo, catchy, and featuring those vocals. I really can’t say enough about the vocals these guys do. The music is catchy and tight, but it’s those voices that keep me coming back.

So, another fantastic, quick release from a very promising band. They’ve made a big fan of me, and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this band. If you liked Maps, you owe it to yourself to add this to your library. Did I mention that, like all other Death to False Hope releases, it’s free for your downloading pleasure. Go get it here!

Tags: mixtapes