Gloomy, devastated love songs get flipped on their head in MisterWives’ debut album Our Own House, which turns tracks about sad upbringings and emotional breakups into lively dance anthems. The New York quintet that originally started as an ‘80s cover band for an 18th birthday party keeps their original funk alive as they unveil new, upbeat tracks and energetic rhythms.
The album sets the mood in its title track, “Our Own House,” a jazzy melody fusing alternative rock with big-band swing. The song’s infectious beat and forceful brass backup charmingly reflect the group’s wild and eccentric style. The LP follows up with the same enthusiasm in next track, “Not Your Way.” A powerful baseline of handclaps, tambourines, and deep drum beats bursts with energy, creating the temptation to get up and move.
Perfect for anyone looking for a large collection of dance-friendly rhythms to get any party up on its feet, a majority of the album’s melodies are bouncy and uptempo. However, their unending zeal and fast-paced beats can start to become tiring and almost overwhelming, as smoother ballads and slow jams are sparing.
The album tries to slow down this fervor by periodically introducing calmer, mellow tracks to keep the LP from becoming a non-stop sugar rush. The laid-back vibes apparent in songs like “Oceans” and “Coffins” attempt to give the album a satisfying balance, but don’t quite measure up and fail to compete with the hyperactivity of the other tracks. The record lacks the proper ratio of high-energy versus tranquil tracks required for casual listening. Regardless of this imbalance, lead singer Mandy Lee’s explosive, high-pitched vocals remain impressive throughout, stamping each song with her trademark sound.
If they wish to achieve greater success, MisterWives needs to establish a more effective energy balance in the future. That being said, their first studio album is sure to create a lasting impression, showcasing a passionate attitude throughout catchy songs—done very much in their own way.
Voice’s Choices: “Our Own House,” “Not Your Way”
