Mensen
Oslo City (Gearhead)
by Ewan Wadharmi
Another entry from the Scandalnavian invasion, Mensen have a thing for garage rock, like many of their Norse brethren. This is an energetic blues version with light psychedelic leanings. Mary Currie’s vocals are fast-paced, yet surprisingly mild. It gives her an immediate niche among the glut of punk acts vying for your indie dollars. Heavy on reverb, the singing is crisp and to the point. Though there’s little differentiation from song to song, it’s an attractive delivery that brings to mind The Avengers. Put in context of the ultra-tight band, and we’re going way back to The Seeds and The Sonics.
(PO Box 421219 San Francisco, CA 94142)