Lions - MTNZ [EP]

http://wearelions.bandcamp.com/album/mtnz-ep


Lions is a band that has improved considerably since their demo in August 2010. A bit of it is simply higher quality production, telling us how good they are in their own right. The vocals have improved, in the sense that they're more... I can't find the word for it, but they just fit the music perfectly now. They're more emotive, a bit sadder, and a bit angrier. It's great. Also, if you haven't noticed by now, I really like math guitar, and I'm pretty into emo rock. This is a really nice combination of beautiful math guitar and that sad voice we all secretly (some not so secretly) like to hear. I've actually listened to this album a lot, recently. Since downloading the album I've listened to it round-about nine or ten times, realistically. That doesn't happen much, I usually reserve that sort of listening for Symphony of Science, or anything by Washed Out.

"Nashville, TN" is a great song. This is both opinion, and fact. It's just true. The guitar is great, and the overall sound is reminiscent of an sad/angry This Town Needs Guns, but just a little heavier. Lions does a really good job of creating audible emotion, a quality that I truly enjoy finding. "Phantom Limb" is still really math-y, but the drums after a time become a bit more dance-y, a trait that is both hard to come by, and magical. The song is a crowd puller, it makes me want to jump into the room and dance around like a good friend just gave me a mixtape from the 90's and we just want to destroy pillows. It's great. Turning to "White Keys" we are given a song set on defining that mood of teenagers, best described in the line "if I were older I'd matter". It's great, it's honest, it's well worded, and Lions does a great job of saying "this is what I feel right now, now you feel it too. Come on, do it" and you will. Because you've been there. Don't even try to lie to me.

I have a strict policy of only reviewing half of the album, I like to leave you guys half, it makes me feel nice thinking maybe it gets you guys to check out the album. Today, though, instead of reviewing the fourth track, I skip instead to "King in the Casket" because it's my favorite song on the album, and I'm allowed to. I make the rules here. This song pulls back that feeling of running around, having fun, and thinking "she's cute, maybe I should share my juice pack with her". Everything was great, everything was uncomplicated, if we wanted to be happy we would just play a game. The saddest part of the song, the one where you realize that you too are either going to be soon fully grown or already there, is accompanied by dance drums. Did I mention I love dance drums? I'm pretty sure I did.

As a summary, I love the album. It's great, a lovely combination of sad songs fueled by teenage angst and a fear of growing up, while realizing you already have, and math music that is more often paired with lyrics of spending time with a loved one, or seeing the sights, maybe visiting another country. Way to go, Lions, you've really touched me with your sounds, and also managed to be great musicians in general. The lyrics are lovely, the sounds are sparkly, and the voice is wonderful. Keep it up, guys, keep it up. I'm excited for more music from Lions, and I'll keep my eye out for anything they release.