Mandy Lee (I love using both names, it's such a beautiful name) is accompanied by four strapping young gentlemen that play some instruments: Etienne (percussion), William (bass), Marc (guitar), and Jesse (who plays everything and the kitchen sink). One thing I really love about MisterWives is that when I've watched their live performances and seen pictures of all of them together, it seems like they are having a genuinely good time; they just love to be around each other and do what they love to do. They are such an adorable group of people and I love seeing people who just love the music they make, especially once they get a taste of fame.
As I touched on earlier, the music is centered around Mandy Lee's voice, but the music backing her up is absolutely amazing. I love how each drumbeat is so very different from the one you heard in the track before; some albums sound like the drum is just a loop used in every song, but this in unique and is artist in a way that drums rarely are. When I review a song, I listen for the bass (if there is one), because the bass is how you tell how much effort a band puts into their music. Too often, the bass will be very repetitive or is following the lead of another instrument, but MisterWives is a band that uses the bass to add to their music and make is better. They use the bass in a way that adds depth and character, and too many bands miss out on how amazing the bass can make their music sound. The guitar adds to the emotion and tone that are used in the vocals, and they make the song well-rounded and energetic; it gives the album life and soul. They also add little instrumental and vocal touches that too often go unnoticed; in the title track of this album, "Our Own House" and "Best I Can Do" the have what I believe is a saxophone (but if it's not don't kill me, but by all means kindly correct me), in "Box Around the Sun" there a little 'ohs' in the background that add depth, and in "Our Own House" there is snapping (once again that's just what it sounds like to me) that really creates the vibe and feelings in the song.
"Vagabond" begins with with Mandy Lee singing with only a piano backing her, then she is soon by the rest of their band. The way that she uses her voice to convey the emotions and passion in this song is nothing short of sensational; she is able to show exactly what she is feeling through the sound of her voice. The way the instrumental is used with just enough intensity to support her lyrics is absolutely amazing; the strength of the drum grows when she is louder, but almost disappearing when she sings at a lower volume. "Vagabond" is a beautiful example of how to use your music to make a great singer sound even better. The chorus absolutely embodies, what I feel is, the point of the song: "You've been up and down, down; you've been low, low, low. Troubled sea, so deep; troubled home, no sleep. You've been flying so high, avoiding the road. Pretending to not feel alone". This song was a song that I immediately felt like it had been written for me; I related so deeply and easily to the lyrics. I was able to use this song as a way to feel like I'm not by myself in this world.
The one thing that bothered me when I first listened to this album was the beginning of "No Need For Dreaming". It sounds so much like the beginning for "Reverse" by SomeKindaWonderful; I actually thought that's what was playing when I heard it for the first time. I'm not saying that anybody is infringing on copyrights or anything; I don't think anyone did anything on purpose or that they even realize how similar it sounds. This is just something I noticed; whenever I hear either song when I have my music on shuffle, I have to wait until they vocals begin until I'm absolutely sure which it is. This coincidence does nothing to change my opinions and absolute adoration for Our Own House or MisterWives. (I recently watched Almost Famous for the first time and made a promise to the friend that recommended it that I'd always "be honest and unmerciful", so I must include this otherwise I will feel immensely guilty for not divulging information)
The one thing I do not want you get from this review is that the band is carried by their singer; that is completely untrue. Mandy Lee is an amazing singer and I absolutely adore her voice, but MisterWives wouldn't been anywhere without the marvelous combination that is created when you bring each and every part of this band together. I love this band, and plan to see them when they come to Salt Lake City this fall. Our Own House is an album that shows versatility and talent from a very young and passionate band that has a very bright future.
MisterWives' Website
Buy Our Own House
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