sounds mint’s Debut EP Has The Power To Completely Change The Face Of Modern Alternative Music.

Words: Ruby Corrigan.

After supporting Blur on some of their biggest shows last summer, I would be surprised if I met anyone who hadn’t heard of the up and coming London four piece sounds mint, but if you haven’t, then take this article as a sign to listen to their fantastic debut EP ‘Club Penguin.’

I will say I enjoy many genres of music, but my all time favourite has to be British and Irish punk (think The Clash, Joy Division, Buzzcocks, The Undertones, Siouxsie and The Banshees etc.). However, when regarding music from this century, I was yet to find a band that took my favourite elements of punk/post punk music and elevated it with a modern freshness – that was until I listened to this EP.

A lot of criticism I see about modern bands is that they are “imitating”‘” the greats. Well, when regarding sounds mint this is certainly NOT true. As an EP, ‘Club Penguin’ possesses a magical feeling of nostalgia and hope for the future, I mean, to me it has completely changed the way I feel about the music scene for the better. By combining classic sounding guitar riffs and drum beats with extremely unique vocals and socially conscious lyrics sounds mint have crafted an extremely innovative sound that both recognises the the punk history they have integrated themselves into, and highlights their own, individual personality.

A particular highlight on the EP for me has to be the song ‘What’s Good (In the Hood)’. This track is a perfect example of what this band are all about- musical and lyrical artistry. Opening with an upbeat drum rhythm and a catchy guitar riff, this tune os sure to get any crowd jumping. It would be wrong of me to talk about this song and not mention the incredibly sexy, oozing bass line from bassist Layla that shines throughout, adding an intensely rich extra layer of depth. Lyrically, I absolutely loved the repeated word play that features throughout. A phrase that shone out to me was:

“If this is what it’s like, I’d rather stay in the hood, all these weirdo socialites, trying to act like they’re hood”

Appearing at the very beginning of the song, sounds mint punch straight in with their social commentary, immediately criticising both gentrification, as well as class divides in big cities such as London. As mentioned previously, This no nonsense attitude toward political and social issues continues on throughout the rest of the body of music, making the EP both an exciting and educational listen, and solidifying the band as a force to be reckoned with.

sound’s mint and their debut EP ‘Club Penguin’ is sure to take the world by storm, so go on and give it a listen, you know you want too!

Album cover art: Dennis Branko