While reliving my early emo high school days by attending the Austin, Texas stop of Panic! At the Disco’s superb Death of a Bachelor Tour on Sunday, I was treated to the immense talents and dominating stage presence of opening act MisterWives. Though on the music scene since 2012, delivering their critically-acclaimed debut album Our Own House in the process, the New York City-based six-piece only recently captured my attention with flawless performances of two singles set to be featured on their upcoming sophomore effort Connect the Dots, out in May.
“Machine”, released back in February, is a fiery, rebellion anthem advocating for individuality and freedom. Serviced as the lead single off the indie band’s upcoming sophomore album just a month following a new president’s inauguration might give some clarity to where the message is directed, but overall, listeners could take the effort as the act’s own statement of staying true to who they are as artists, with absolutely no desire to conform to the mainstream idea of a success.
Lead singer Mandy Lee heads up the infectious battle cry with an engaged, full-ranged vocal performance that switches up and transforms as much as the track’s progression does. The unpredictability of what genre Lee while channel on a certain verse of “Machine”, as well as when thrilling horns and drums might dominate the listener’s ear, is the highlight of the single, keeping everyone on the tips of their toes wondering what they will hear next.
Created to celebrate differences, to provide a soundtrack to the continuous fight against oppression and encourage individuals to be themselves, the track also carries a second underlying meaning that sounds a bit more personal to the band. “Don't feel like having a, computer sing this phrase, not looking for a hired name, to write a song for me that sounds the same,” Lee chants as a subtle diss to those who can’t even pen the hits they are known for. It’s an obvious middle finger to the slackers and naysayers.
From the narrative and in-depth songwriting, MisterWives might have doubted their own abilities, allowed others to speak for them, but “Machine” is all about putting an end to following other’s rules and marching to the beat of their own drum. Self-empowerment is at the base of the multi-genre experiment, and as a lead offering, it generates positive buzz and excitement for the parent album. Without Lee at the forefront, the urgency and importance may not have been boldly highlighted, but make no doubt, the band is standing their ground.
If something more dark and gritty is your preference, MisterWives has you covered with "Oh Love", the second official taste of their sophomore album. Released at the end of March, the rock/gospel-sounding effort sheds light on how the band handles a love's unfortunate demise. From a message of inspiration to pessimistic tone, the somber proves the band and Mandy can easily convey any emotion with utmost conviction.
Two songs in, I'm already sold on Connect the Dots!
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