Mild Minds set the MOOD on this dreamscape debut LP.
Since signing to the fruitful label, Foreign Family Collective, curated by the duo behind ODESZA and alongside Australian EDM giants Rüfüs Du Sol, Running Touch and Golden Features, Benjamin David, the mastermind behind Mild Minds is are sitting in the elite booth of the dance club.
Moving in with single ‘MOVEMENTS’, Mild Minds prepares the body for a physical, plugging the aux chord straight into the pulse to maintain a steady heartbeat and injecting colourful dye sporadically into the bloodstream to monitor oxygen levels. ‘EMBRACER’ is where the happy gas mask is secured to your face, a tingling calm cascading the body and mind, building to a pastel palette dream sequence of chimes and delicate whispers.
The sonic trance continues through single ‘WALLS’ ft Boats, and ‘OBLIVIOUS’, adding anxious jumps of electronic drums and sweeping lines, met by cushion anti-gravity lands. ‘SWIM’ reflects every bit of its name with rippling effects, serene synths and graceful echoing vocals. This track could sink seamlessly into the catalogue of their Foreign Family Collective alumni Rüfüs Du Sol. ‘FORMATIONS’, ‘DESTINATIONS’ and ‘DOPAMINE’ are the conflict-ridden part of the unconscious journey, strobing bass lines and uneasy washes of synth signalling chaos. The resolution and final piece is told through ‘VIEW’ with its celebratory builds and infectious bouncing sonic scope.
MOOD is bold, balanced and a brilliant showcase of the Grammy-nominated artist’s production talent.
Mood is out Friday March 13 via Foreign Family Collective.
4/5
Foreign Family Collective
Reviewed by Tammy Walters
