MINDSET |
| In following the
rigidity involved in setting one’s mind to something, the band Mindset,
is true to form on their second release, “A Bullet for Cinderella.”
Where for many, follow-up recordings pale in comparison to the debut,
not so in this case. The band quickly let’s their determination become
known with vigilant song titles as driven as the heavy guitar grooves
and assertively written contents. Avoiding the easy road to stardom, “A Bullet…” represents a sharper image for Mindset, giving off plenty in the way of bad attitude and opinionated rage against anyone or anything that proves a nuisance to them. Check out the words to “The System” for beginners, in its rant against such a system as the government where followers are bred to be just that, without self-expression or discovery enough a part of their lives. In “Mother Loves You,” “she sees the world in green,” and oh, how pretty and colorful everything is in this world but in truth, I’m a hopeless waster… but it’s my life! It’s hard not to hear a lot of Tool in the vocals of Roddy Lane, but there’s a much harder quality to the music than Tool’s ever been known for and of course in following the words and ideas as Mindset presents them, there’s little comparison as to its extreme nature. But reading further, the suggestive ideas and observations they present, seem pretty qualifying of most everyone who’s ever incurred a negative thought or questionable philosophy but shied away from making it known. “Die Ricki Die” is of course a jab at the popular talk show host and the irritating subject matter and irrational behavior that exists on such hyped-up televised nonsense. And if there’s one song on this album that really struck a nerve with me, it’s this one. How people get so absorbed in this ridiculous display of lunacy, which is purposefully designed to play on our sympathies and curiosities, is something I’ll never understand. Does it make us feel like our own lives aren’t so bad when we watch the fantastic exploits of others? So yes, die Ricki die, and then let’s go after that jackass Springer! “A Bullet for Cinderella” calls forth the ideas of exterminating that within us that draws on role-playing or fantasy rather than reality. Get a grip on yourself and realize who it is you are and not become something you’re not for whatever reason. Although, I kinda like Cinderella myself… At the end of the lyric booklet, you’ll find a cool picture of Cupid, that love inspiring angel who’s always ready and waiting to strike at the first sign of affection. But here, he’s lying face down, struck right in the back with his own arrows and lying in a pool of blood. I don’t know… you make the call. Mindset was not completely as unique as they were described to be at first, because the repetitive guitar structures and raging vocals typify a lot of what goes on in heavy music. But they do set themselves apart from other groups in that they realize whom they are, where they want to go and how they want to get there. There aren’t a lot of rock acts today who are willing to dispel the corporate structure and defy the will of popularity just to make their own statement and accept the results with open-armed conviction. But after listening to “A Bullet for Cinderella,” I get that impression and so will you. This one might be the sleeper “hit” for the year. And guys, while you’re at it, why not load one up for that aggravating, good-intentioned fairy Godmother—the old hag! Released by Modern music Records. Kurfürstenstraße 23, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Tel : +49 (0) 30 264 98 70 Fax : +49 (0) 30 262 44 48 Website : http://www.noiserecords.com Review By Vinnie Apicella |