Mind Ripple, an alternative rock band from Athens, Greece, offer plenty of melody and hooks up front with songs that also demand to be played again and again, revealing something new to like just about every time. Their album Mirror Stage, becomes more reflective and sophisticated, too, and it’s about as mature as an album title inspired by the theory of Jacques Lacan.
There are many loud guitars on Mirror Stage, but with a title like that, what would you expect? The opening track sets the perfect tone for the rest of the album. The wistful “Remember Me” indulges in guitars altogether, as the band accompanies them with a simple, elegant piano. It’s starts of smooth and slow as it gradually rises in instrumentation. The pressure for forward motion is off, too. Nobody is really looking to outdo or make an explosive overstatement, just to crank out a few dependable hooks.
But you’ll also find plenty of songs to crank up the volume to. “Deep and Clean” takes a breezy verse to a string-aided liftoff of a chorus. “Pray for an Exit” is an exuberant anthem that avoids any pitfalls, and does justice to represent the band in the best light. In a combo that marks the high point of Mirror Stage, it’s also accentuated by the hard-hitting “Shadow Aspect,” where you’ll notice the lyrics are really good, too.
From that perspective, Mirror Stage is a success. It’s hard not to believe that this band could be selling out arenas with this kind of music. Even with a song like “Fading Light,” the band’s contributions can even be seen as a little more generous to not get the attention they deserve. Just try listening to this song without feeling your mood lighten and your spirit lift. If it doesn’t happen, you just might not have a soul.
The lightly psychedelic “Innocent” ebbs and flows through tides of guitars, and with its chiming open chords, is as sturdy a song the band delivers. From instrumentation to vocals, Mind Ripple explore varied rock elements with inspiration and creativity. Armed with loud guitars, dreamy harmonies, and a music scene contextually primed for their arrival, they are bound to be successful if they continue with this kind of quality performance.
