‘Twas a time in rock ‘n’ roll when attitude was tantamount to success - think the original line-ups of the Rolling Stones, Ramones, Guns ‘n’ Roses, and Clash for starters. Mink draws equally from the aforementioned and then some on their balls-to-the-wall debut, which should strike fear into such posers as (insert whoever is on the cover of Rolling Stone this week). Following the template of iconic rock ensembles past and present, Mink delivers the one-two punch of an instantly identifiable singer (Neil Carlson) and a killer lead guitarist (Nick Marbury). Ably abetted by a raucous rhythm section (bassist Grant Fitzpatrick / drummer Stella Mozwawa) along with a living breathing rhythm guitarist (David Lowy) and there’s absolutely no need to delve into the libretto of their songs which is the usual fare of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Rendered in all its sonic glory thanks to producers Sylvia Massy and Chris Shaw of Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and Wilco fame (how about that for diversity!), Mink’s bombastic bow means you don’t have to wait for the Strokes to write another song or for Axl to drop Chinese Democracy. Where there’s Mink there’s hope for authentic rock ‘n’ roll.
--Tom Semioli
