The Minders
Down in Fall EP (spinART Records)
By: Alex Steininger
Portland-by-way-of-Denver, The Minders break out of their Elephant Six Collective tag with an album that holds true to their Brit-Pop style of old while breaking new ground heavily influenced by their residence in the Pacific Northwest.The opening track, "Young and With It," is a delightful pop treat, one you might have found on their debut full-length or on one of their many 7"'s and EP's. However, the following track, "On and On," opens the flood gates for a new style: eerie pop.
Windy and faint, the nighttime horror of never knowing what is behind the corner creeps up on you like a bad nightmare, while the pop sensibilities this band has built their name and fan base on stays, surprisingly, in full view.
The Vaudeville of "Time Machines" breaks even more ground, as they get farther and farther away from their Brit-Pop beginnings. "The Loneliest of Faces" comes back with some delicious pop, but the band still strays away from their usual pop, like you'd find on "Young and With It" or any of their previous material.
Ending with "Helen," the band officially comes full-circle, ending the same way they started, with pop genius that is much like their old material, but still invigorating and fresh. I'll give it an A.
