• Band / Artist : 3 Blind Mice – mySpace
• Genre : Pop / Rock / Alternative
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

Good Grief. You can say that again. I bet 3 Blind Mice are glad to have this album finally in the can, as it’s had a gestation period more akin to that of an elephant. That however is by the by, as once again they are triumphant in releasing a cracking album, which we’ve pretty much come to expect. According to iTunes, this album came out at the end of 2006, so I’m nearly a full year behind the curve, but some things are worth waiting for.

Although I’m often chomping at the bit to review new releases from artists who I’ve previously reviewed, I still like to take the time to really let an album sink in with me before reviewing it. Although I’ve had this album a month or so, I hadn’t really had a good chance to listen to it until last week. It was yesterday however when I started to cosy up to it and really feel like it had got under my skin.

After work last night, I took the opportunity to finish off Christmas shopping for my wife. The snow had been coming down since about 4pm, so by the time I left work at 5:30pm, there was enough snow on the car for it to take me a few minutes to clear it. Just before pulling away, I put this album on the car stereo and it became my sole companion for the rest of the night.

The first track “Your Face is Not Enough” really greets you like an old friend. Those harmonies are unmistakable and I pulled out of the parking lot, with a warm glow and a big smile on my face. “Dead Penguin” is the track that follows and while I still haven’t warmed to this track, it does provide another dimension to this album. “Kolysanka” has the feel of a Russian folk song. It’s slow and deliberate and filled with lush harmonies and what sounds like a balalaika, at least I think that’s what I think it is anyway.

“Derek Malone” has to be one of my favorite tracks on the album. It has all the qualities we have come to love on the Beatle’s, Penny Lane, with a narrative that flows effortlessly with the musical accompaniment. For anyone subscribed to PW Fenton’s, Digital Flotsam podcast, “The Word” will sound very familiar, having been used as the theme track for a good couple of years now. “I’m So Tired” is probably my least favorite track on the album, I just keep feeling like the track is barking at me, if that makes any sense. “The Breaking” provides a nice foil to the previous track, calming, soothing and washing over like the soothing waves of a warm sea on a summers day.

If there’s one thing that really impresses me about 3 Blind Mice, it’s that while their tracks all sound very familiar, leaving no doubt who there are by, they also have a real diversity. “The King’s Shilling” shows this to the full, a Christmas song, without fanfare, frills or gimmicky sleigh bells. At just over 2 minutes, it’s a little on the short side, but excellent nonetheless.

This is another one of those albums where I can just go on and on, telling you how good it is. Better than that, you can go buy a copy and discover how good it is for yourself. If you’re already a fan, you will need no prodding, to add this to your collection. If you are new to 3 Blind Mice, this is an excellent introduction, which still leaves you 3 other albums to pick up.

Conclusion : Simply a wonderful example of everything that’s right in todays indie music. Great music, inventive and interesting lyrics, resulting in another must have album.