Album Review: The Mynabirds – Lovers Know
2 min read
It’s sometimes good when a band or singer take some time out to assess where they are in life and what to do next. In the case of The Mynabirds – the brainchild of Laura Burhenn – this has proven to be the steps towards creating her third and most powerful album yet, entitled Lovers Know. Travelling across the U.S has given her a sense of freedom and renewed vitality, and has proven decisive in the making of a warm and accomplished record.
All My Heart is our first glimpse into the record, and it really sets the tone perfectly. Lana Del Rey is a definite influence here, but Laura also has her own stamp on it, as low synths and a sultry tone build into a release of drums that drag the song into the contemporary. Laura opens here heart early in the record here, with lyrics built around not regretting and staying strong.
Semantics’ fast pace and electronica opens the door to a fuller sound, as the riff driven track takes a hold of you and shakes you into submission. It’s also a nice change to hear male backing vocals against a female lead, that’s worked into the song really well. Orion’s addictive guitar riff leads into a low key affair, and shows off the deep meaning in Laura’s voice as she sings: ‘calling out your name but are you listening’. The track is nicely executed and the perfect instrumentation makes for a lonely but fond sound.
Burhenn is showing a love for the 80s more than ever on Lovers Know. We all know she’s had an affinity with the era from past tracks, but not till now has it really come to the forefront of the music. Shake Your Head Yes is a perfect example of this, with parts sounding like something I could have come up with on my cheap little Casio keyboard I had when I was 6, but she builds around this a great wall of sound that gives the track substance and depth. Omaha continues the 80s theme, but in a different way; echo-laden piano floods into layered vocals of sentimentality in a dreamy tale straight from the heart, reminding of early Sinead O’Connor.
Lovers Know is a work of passion and this shines through in the music. Laura has used her skills wisely and sensibly to create a well-rounded record of all her passions and dreams. It’s her best work to date and a sign of great things to come.
