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The Mandrill’s “Cabaret” literally bursts out of the speakers with a breathtaking force of pure musical energy-right from the beginning those drums are played with an intensity and flow that is a perfect foil for the masterful music that surrounds it-the fills in particular here are giving off serious Mitch Mitchell playing with Jimi Hendrix vibes. Speaking of the guitar work-WOAH! That guitar solo is possibly one of the most unique and immensely distinct solos I’ve heard in a long time. It’s as equal a hook of this song as the brilliant vocals-worthy of another listen. The quality of playing from all elements of this band is incredibly impressive and on full display here-lending a musical backdrop that exquisitely complements the vocals (rather than stomping all over them) and frantic intense themes of this song- as we are “racing from places to places” we suddenly find we’re in a “Close quarter cabaret, How’d you get in my life this way? What do I have to do to make you stay?” This is immaculate song craft and sound design right here. I can detect a hint of the early period of The Strokes influence there-yet The Mandrills have their own unique and individual style. This is once more another band from our indie music community who absolutely astounds and delights the senses. Certainly a band worth celebrating.
