The Mary Onettes – Dare Ep
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Sweden’s The Mary Onettes have long been one of those bands that I wished everyone would get into, as they clearly deserve the recognition I’ve built for them in my brain. Perhaps some will find them drenched in nostalgia, but their self-titled debut showed that they could rise above and beyond limitations of the past. So here they come with their first release in a few years, the Dare EP.
Right away, you sort of have to knock it down a bit based on the fact that there are only three songs on the EP, which is short, even for EP standards. In the end, you find that this is possibly the only knock on these exceptional tracks; you’ll find nothing else wrong here.
“Dare” is the opening track, and one I threw your way earlier on in the year. Opening the song you have a swirling guitar sound reminiscent of the opening moments of “Geraldine” by Glasvegas, though the lyrics here will delve further into true meaning than some of the simpler lyrics by the latter. Also, as with most current bands, the melodious moments are accompanied by layers of atmospheric guitar screeching and pounding drums. Everything about this song sums up carefully the abilities of The Mary Onettes when they’re at their best.
Following the opener is “Kicks.” It’s a far cry from most of their earlier work; it’s clearly more subdued in mood and pacing. This is one of the first songs in their career that I feel is driven by the vocals and lyrics rather than the beat. Broodingly gently piano accompaniment continues to push this song into traditional ballad format.
“God Knows I Had Plans” closes the Dare EP with a shimmering wall of guitars and harmonies. A certain warmth exist on this song, which immediately implies a certain craft leaning towards soundscapes. This is perhaps a fitting association, though they fill the traditional elements with belting harmonies and pounding drums.
It’s a really short effort, but at its best, it portrays a band pushing beyond the boundaries of their glorious first efforts and bounding forwards towards new horizons. Expect to continue to hear brilliant moments from this band in the near future.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/02-kicks-1.mp3]Download: The Mary Onettes – Kicks [MP3]
