Creatures Of Culture
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to Creatures Of Culture
The Nashville outfit The Minks return with this sophomore album, where front woman Nikki Barber guides the band through a bluesy, psychedelic 13 songs that are as meticulous as they are unpredictable.
The title track gets the listen off to a driving and harmonic start, where Barber’s bright and expressive voice steers the radiant indie-rock, and “Motorbike” follows with a thumping and buzzing approach that’s rugged yet melodic.
Halfway through, “The Love I Have” trims the pace back with a bare intimacy that really allows Barber’s powerful voice to shine, while “Take It Easy” recruits blues-rock nods amid the powerful climate.
Close to the end, “I’ve Gotta Fly” emits a poetic, very soulful approach of minimal instrumentation, and “Lavender” exits with a thicker presence of groove filled and cautious rock.
The band consists of Ben Giesecke (lead guitar, whistle, BGVs), Dylan Sevey (drums, percussion, organ, BGVs), and Henri Young (bass, synth, BGVs), and guest spots include Justin Pellecchia (bass, BGVs), Robbie Crowell (sax, percussion, organ), Alicia Gail (BGVs), and David Helmers (fire stoker). Together with Barber’s very inviting pipes they make for strong riffs, twangy moments and a gritty southern, retro spirit that is quite exciting.
Travels well with: Trapper Schoepp- Siren Songs; Hollis Brown- In The Aftermath