Album Review: Reeling by The Mysterines

Focusing on heartache and the self-destruction it can enable, Reeling walks us through a range of scenarios frequently resulting in emotional pain and grief, but does so in a dry and dark-humoured way which perfectly matches the dynamic and deep sound backing Lia Metcalfe's stellar vocals. Such pains are easily relatable and give the listener a voice and attitude to latch onto in order to process their own frustrations through cathartic head bangers that still feature a smirk; as the whirring and gleeful opener declares, "life is a bitch but I like it so much". Moody basslines underpin a riveting, whirring soundscape that never stops driving relentlessly forward throughout this experience.

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The Liverpool quartet’s debut does exactly what it needs to do in putting them on the map to success Arriving in a fanfare of hype, Liverpool quartet The Mysterines' debut album Reeling is the culmination of a reputation being built steadily from a significant live presence, BBC Radio airplay and support slots for the likes of Royal Blood and Seagirls. Most of the attention grabbing has been from lead singer Lia Metcalfe, with her strong vocal being noticeably commanding - and that’s just as well, for this band produce sounds recalling grunge, garage rock and much else amid their diverse offer. Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, PJ Harvey) produced the album and this feels key; becoming more of a friend to the band than just someone of considerable reputation working with 'performers', Marks has established a rapport that leaves the band members feeling comfortable enough in what they are doing to sound like a far more experienced four-piece than they actually are.

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