This is the most focused of Mazarin's outputs. This by no means it's the least interesting, it simply frames their adventurousness around a clearer and more dynamic songcraft. Beautiful almost psychedelic constructions, emotionally and intelligently authentic notions, and an underbelly of electronic detritus and grooves (at times fantastically delving into motorythmic rock grooves). Essential!
After hearing "Energy Infinite", one of the tracks on this album, on the videogame "Skate 3", I decided to rush out blindly and buy the album, assuming that the rest of the CD would be of similar quality.
Oh dear.
I can't praise "Energy Infinite" enough. It's upbeat, quick tempo, and gets stuck in your head (I know I know I know!). The lyrics are pure gibberish, but that doesn't matter - I can, and have, listened to the song for a solid hour on repeat mode, and I still love it.
Sadly, I can't say the same for the rest of the album. The other songs are very depressing, slow and low, and soon the gibberish sprouted by the nasel-voiced singer will have you grinding your teeth. "12to16" and "Louise" have some redeeming bits, but mostly it's so-so.
I actually bought this album based on the one other review here on Amazon. I'd never heard of Mazarin before. And, honestly, I thought the album cover was so cool, I decided to take the risk. It was one of those silly, slightly impulsive decisions that could've ended up with me kicking myself and bemoaning my lost $$$. Luckily, I was rewarded.
The music is quite unique, so I'm hesitant to compare Mazarin to anybody, but it's sorta like the Shins meets early Belle & Sebastian - shimmery, jangly, indy pop. Some songs are just plain beautiful. And it's one of those albums you like more and more as you listen to it over and over again.
If you're starved for good new alternative music, this is a safe bet. It's not the best album of the year, but it's certainly in the top 30.