Band/Artist: Key to the Mint
Release House: Independent
Genre: Post-Punk/New Wave
One Sentence Synopsis: A post-punk band from Cleveland, OH takes us back to the 80s
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Running Time: 51 min
MSRP: NAME YOUR PRICE
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 3.0 Moons (Out of 5.0)
Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Key to the Mint is a post-punk/new wave band that formed in early 2015 out of the defunct shoegaze/noise band, Privacy//Policy. Former members of P//P, Rich Kundracik and John Alexander, joined with vocalist Joel Anger and developed their previous post-punk sound into the more melodic new wave sound of the 80s. A Godless Line is the group’s sophomore release.
Theme
Key to the Mint
As soon as the first track started playing I began having flashbacks of my childhood, as new wave was very big at that time. Joel Anger’s vocals sound strikingly similar to those of Dave Gahan (lead vocals of Depeche Mode), so much so in fact that I went online and did a search to make sure that someone didn’t just send me unreleased/rare Depeche Mode songs. They definitely perfected the sound that 80s new wave had at the time. I only wish there was a little more of a modern influence or personal twist to make it a bit more original.
Presentation
I am a huge fan of new wave and almost anything electronic. The first couple songs on the album are okay; nothing to write home about. However, it was “One Version of the Truth” that really caught my attention and kept me listening. That song contained powerful percussion, the electronics were very well mixed and Anger’s vocals are extraordinary on it. Another song that really caught my attention was “Maudlin,” all for the same reasons. Most of the songs have about the same tempo. It’d be nice to hear what some slower-paced songs would sound like.
My only real complaint with production is the mixing/mastering. Even though the genre has an 80s sound, I don’t think the production quality should sound like it’s from the same time period. With some better mixing and mastering, their next album could have a lot of potential.
Gothic Fit
It’s no secret that many of us in the Goth scene are fans of new wave. This is highly recommended for fans of Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Sisters of Mercy, as the album draws a lot of influence from those groups. The Gothic listener will not be disappointed.
Closing Thoughts
You should definitely check out Key to the Mint and grab yourself a FREE download of their album. They are bringing back the awesome sound of 80s music.
Theme: 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 2.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 4.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 3.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
