As crystalline as the band’s name might suggest, The Minerals’ sound is a kaleidoscope of warm and organic textures woven into a hazy seduction of melodic drama. It may only be two songs, but their new single Ball Of String is fascinating evidence of the fact, and further proof that the magnetically emerging Welsh band is one exciting prospect.
Based in the South Wales Valleys and formed in 2014, The Minerals is the creative union of Colenso Jones and Jodie Gibson. Drawing on inspirations found in the a range of artists from The Vaselines and Leadbelly to Mogwai and Nick Drake, the duo quickly bred their own tantalising sound from a blend simplified as folk and country rock meets electronic and psychedelic exploration. Past experiences have seen the pair being involved in punk bands throughout their teens and early twenties which too in DIY attitude alone simply adds to the invention of The Minerals.
The winter of 2014 saw a collection of songs written by the band in the remote hills of Southern France, songs which were to become their self-titled debut album which was released last June through Staylittle Music. Ball Of String and its companion on the single, Lo-Fi are taken from the eight track full-length and as potent a lure into that full body of songs as you could wish for.
Ball Of String takes little time to grab attention as guitar strums and bass seduction collude to lure ears into the impending embrace of vocal repetition. Lyrically the song is a rotation of a couple of lines, but such their delivery and simple but pungent make-up, the listener is drawn into full involvement. Around them the initially calm but lively climate of sound becomes not exactly volatile but more robustly shadow filled as if building to a major outbreak of intensity. It never goes that far but the drama created is as irresistible as the sounds woven into its insatiable virulence.
The track is glorious, a galvanic whipping up of the passions masterfully backed by Lo-Fi. Once again, a guitar caresses ears initially as a flirtatious bassline mixes with firmer beats. This time around Gibson takes the vocal lead, though both songs are a splendid union of hers and Jones’ potent tones. Musically a stronger psychedelic air lines each suggestive melody from guitar and keys as well as coats the floating harmonies which entice with siren-esque beauty.
Like a mix of Jingo and Jess & The Ancient Ones in many ways, especially the second, both songs leave ears in rapture and a need to hear more as ripe as the enterprise inspiring that greed.
Ball Of String is released February 26th via Staylittle Music @ http://themineralsband.bandcamp.com/album/ball-of-string
Upcoming Live Dates:
April 15th – The Moon Club, Cardiff (supporting Rusty Shackle)
April 16th – Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff
https://www.facebook.com/themineralsband https://twitter.com/themineralsband
Pete RingMaster 25/02/2016
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