CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Mangoo
Album: Neolithic (2009 – 7.45 Records)
Tracks: 10
Artist website: http://www.mangooloid.com
OVERVIEW
I looked at the Neolithic album cover and shrugged. Didn’t know what to expect. Mangoo is a band from Finland. The record company described them as kinda stoner hippie rock. So I put the disc in the player. “Lo and Behold! This stuff is really good.”
The old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a very good one. I was really won over by the old school stylings of this band and the music they make. Their influences are all over the place but everything has a very catchy groove. I really dug the fuzz bass that is the prevalent sound on this record. There are also some very epic moments.
My only gripes are that the vocals are too far back in the mix and the packaging is not very inviting at first glance which might lead some people to over look this band.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Birds Of Prey, Queen Of Glam
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Blinders
This song has a really catchy groove to it.
Track 2 – Only Silver
Really catchy.
Track 3 – Birds Of Prey
The vocal production here is better. Again, quite catchy. I really like the majestic chords in the middle.
Track 4 – The Bad Habit
This track has a pretty big Jim Morrison vibe to it. Great track.
Track 5 – So Not
This song touches on modern metal (like Stained) but still sounds like Mangoo. Cool track!
Track 6 – Planet
Cool dreamy slow song. This track has a very strong Pink Floyd vibe.
Track 7 – The Shit
I don’t know why this reminded me of Alice In Chains, but it does. Good track.
Track 8 – Queen Of Glam
This song has energy even if I would describe it as a mid tempo song. Really liked the vocal production here.
Track 9 – Trapped (In My Mind)
Really cool groove and I would guess that it is definitely a crowd pleaser in a live setting.
Track 10 – Not Your Dog
This is a pretty cool track. A lot more “artsy” than the rest of the album.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Thanks to 7.45 Records for sending us the CD!