Mirrorism-s/t LP (2014)

Everyone's favorite Ferrarese really pulled it all together for this LP. 2012's Fly Eye EP was a bundle of messy ideas; this LP is a single idea developed over nine individual tracks. The band traverses a good amount of ground here, from dub to squalling proto-grunge, without sounding derivative.

"I Cracked" bounces and rattles its way through a song structure dangerously close to jam band territory. Never fear though: halfway through it slams into aggro jitterrock worthy of The Ex. In fact, the Ex are a good reference point for where Mirrorism is at now: they're not ripping off the Ex, but they have the same talent at mixing genres in an abrasive way all their own. "Again" floats in and out of focus, the guitar a razor-thin line on the horizon, while "Nihilistic Pillow" is caustic cretin hop worthy of the No New York knuckleheads. "Exciting" is the stand out track of the LP: opening with mid-tempo bass sputter that gradually widens into something Sonic Youth coulda done during the Daydream Nation era, complete with talk-sung Thurston Moore-isms. It's a beautiful song for springtime, somewhere between grunge irony and emo (real emo, i.e. Rites of Spring) earnestness.

Apparently Mirrorism is on hiatus for the time being, which is unfortunate since their sound crystallized on this LP. In any case, you should check it out!

Mirrorism-Fly Eye EP (2012)

 Mirrorism is a Ferrarese three-piece trafficking in slow-burn psych punk. Sometimes plodding, sometimes awkward, this EP's a lot of fun towards the end. "S.P.O.W." is a lumbering composition of heavy bass, soft drumming, and erratic guitar that drops out, dub-style, only to come shooting back into the mix with staccato bursts.

"Slow Homo" deepens the groove: centered around the drums, the song coulda been written by a math rock band that smoked too much weed and came up with a reggae song unintentionally. Mirrorism really finds its stride on "Night Flight": it's the sort of jittery, jerky tune The Ex specialized in, back in the early '80s. Complete with bursts of saxaphone. It wouldn't be out of place on one of those "New York Noise" compilations, maybe. The last third of the EP is the best: from "Night Flight" on, this EP transforms from lilting squawking to compelling post-punk psych that I wanna dance to.

If Mirrorism continues the rhythmic squall sound they've developed here, I expect good things from 'em in 2013. Check it out and buy the EP here.