A Million Years is a band you need to know about. The Brooklyn band’s first album Mischief Maker debuts on June 18, and I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of the album. Now, I’m a huge fan of the band (I’ve written blog posts on them before), and I listened to their 2009 Incandescent EP about a trillion times; fortunately, for new listeners, the three superb Incandescent tracks are featured on this full length album.
The band, formed in 2007, has played at many different (and awesome) venues across NYC and the East Coast , including Studio at Webster Hall, Bowery Electric, Bowery Ballroom, and Mercury Lounge, and their songs have been featured on NYC’s WRXP. Still haven’t heard of them? Well, the first song you should check out, is my personal favorite, By Yourself; with its catchy guitar riff and chorus, “do yourself a favor, just don’t look back, you just mind your business and pack your bags,” the song (and the album) is reminiscent of artists such as Spoon and Band of Horses.
Another really strong track (which is basically tied for my favorite track) is Suspicious, which also has a really really uberly catchy guitar riff and is kinda poppy (in a good way!). Mischief Maker is an interesting blend of synthesizers, guitars and electronic beats; that being said, Mischief Maker is at its best when A Million Years is in their element, creating bluesy and accessible alt-pop ditties.
My least favorite song on the album is actually a song that strays away from this formula called Poster Girl; honestly, it kind of sounds like Coldplay. However, the album, overall, is an interesting debut album. Mischief Maker is safely experimental; it’s not too out there in the way that people who like all genres can like it. While there are really uberly catchy songs such as Suspicious or California Smile, there are also abstract pieces like last track, Dirt in the Ground and folky tracks like Incandescent. I really really like this album, and in my eyes, it’s a stepping stone for a great career for A Million Years. Either way, you need to listen to Mischief Maker. I give it a 7.
Suspicious – A Million Years Suspicious – A Million Years
By Yourself – A Million Years By Yourself – A Million Years
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Second photo courtesy of http://www.powerlinead.com
