My Mind is Melting (Cool Like You)

Wynona

Single Review

As I write this it is currently 26 degrees outside. So what better time to review a song with such an apt title. My Mind is Melting (Cool Like You) is the brand new single from the band that brought you Mum Jean Rock, Wynona. From the moment I heard their debut release Back to Myself, it was love at first listen. Since then they have released several tracks that live up to the promises made with their debut. My Mind is Melting (Cool Like You) is no exception to this. In fact, for me it is a song that seems to be signalling huge things to come from this talented collection of musicians.

From the very opening of this track, from its bubble like synth stabs to its psychedelically inspired guitar effect, it immediately emanates what makes their sound such a pleasure to listen to. Blending together the vibes of early 00’s pop rock, east coast surf pop, and covering it in a coating of brit pop, Wynona consistently find a way to make something both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time. As the main sound of the song kicks in you are immediately picked up and placed in a top down car, hurtling through s summers day. It Just feels so bright and vibrant. This is a nice touch given the mirky feeling given off by the lyrics that speak towards, for me at least, the traps we fall into by idealising people we meet, only to have it come crashing down around us later on.

This contrast of theme and composition is something very prevalent in Wynona’s writing and I feel is one of the big things that drew me to their music. Throughout this track we are given bight chord progressions that carry the weight of frustration and also the freedom of realisation. The chorus section which carries a brilliant punch made up of its rhythm section and loud crunchy guitar work really leans into the late feeling for me, almost an acceptance of the thought process that led to the sticky situation. It all comes together so well and you can almost picture the moment they just went for it during the writing process.

One thing I’d also like to mention and pay respect to in this track is the drum line. A lot of the time the drummer is just there. Not in a bad way, but is just one half of a solid rhythm or the anchor point on which the rest of the band click too. However on My Mind is Melting (Cool Like You) the drums act as the heart beat of this song. The best way I can describe what drew me to the drums as I listened wasn’t anything earth shattering or over complicated, but it was its pure perfection in how it fit into the soundscape. Much like watercolours every snap of the snare drum, punch of the kick drum, and splash of the symbols blending seamlessly into the music around it. Though this can be put down to some excellent production work, for me it comes down to the talent of the drummer to know when to go big and when to hold back. It all just works so well.

Overall, Wynona continue to be, and will possibly always be a guarenteed bet when it comes to releasing solid songs that can appeal to a huge audience. While their subject matter is serious their delivery is honest and playful at times resulting in warm songs that sit in your head long after you take out your headphones. I can only look forward to the future of this group of talented musicians, knowing that whatever comes next its gonna blow me and their many fans away.

*Read my interview with Rick & Nat from Wynona here

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