Mystery Jets’ back catalog is full of upbeat, fun tracks: the kind of indie tunes that get you moving. With Radlands, Mystery Jets add another dimension to their music and expand on their previous work. Together, the characteristic fun sound of the band along with their willingness to explore new territory make Radlands a solid and accessible album to pick up.
Despite their exploration, it is clear from the start that Mystery Jets does not plan on forgetting where they came from. They open Radlands with a jangling homage to several influential indie staples. In doing so, they set the tone for the rest of the album. Influences are evident throughout their record, as they blend familiar indie elements in a new way, with a sprinkle of their own creativity, crafting fresh, original, and interesting tracks. Mystery Jets have certainly broken some new ground while staying true to their roots.
The most notable new element introduced by Mystery Jets on Radlands is their use of some common alternative country hooks, which makes sense, since the album was recorded in a rural home outside of Austin, TX. The song Lonestar stands out as a marked attempt by Mystery Jets at integrating folksy elements into their sound while staying true to their British Alternative Rock sensibilities. Here, the band brings in finger-picked riffs, slide guitars, and even some country-western rim shots on the snare drum, giving them an Americana sound. The song also serves as an example of how the band has blended these new elements into their old sound. Lyrically the album explores folk themes (evident in the title). In the past, Mystery Jets’ albums have been more firmly grounded in the realm of modern rock and roll. With Radlands, they expand on their more traditional style with success.
The release date for Radlands makes sense. The upbeat sound sets a great tone for some carefree summer fun. If you’re looking for a soundtrack to go along with your carload full of friends driving to a swimming hole, Radlands may be for you.
