Stolen Minks' latest album shows band's growth as songwriters
Artist: The Stolen Minks
Title: High Kicks
Label: New Romance For Kids
Release date: Sept. 16, 2008
On High Kicks, Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Stolen Minks prove that they have come into their own as songwriters, as clever covers have given way to eight well-crafted originals.
The album opens with “Bring It,” which is a fast-paced, autobiographical party-starter that is guaranteed to get your feet moving. Like other songs on the album, this one shows the versatility the band is allowed through their use of three vocalists.
Next is “Northend Strangler,” which, despite its sinister title and opening sample, is packed full of upbeat, keyboard-driven goodness.
“Reflexes” is a standout track because it is totally different than anything on The Stolen Minks’ debut CD or EP. This guitar-driven track and its slightly distorted vocals makes the Minks sound more like a really good Kill Rocks Stars band than a group that does well-played Link Wray covers.
“Get Wet” is another standout which shows off the band’s musical development and the band’s penchant for using all of their vocal talents on the same tune. The song also has a memorable chorus that’s anchored by torrential drumming and a catchy hook.
Up next is the repetitive, mid-tempo tune “Consecutives,” which is the weakest track on the album. When your album's worst track is actually very good when it's not getting compared to single-worthy cuts like "Reflexes," you're doing something right.
Your Broken Heart” and “I Hate You” are good old fashioned punk tunes. The latter is not a Carbonas cover, though the girls are known to play a banging live version of “Lost Cause.” Instead, it’s an energetic, rough-around-the-edges tune which could easily be covered by the Carbonas.
The album wraps up with “Viola Desmond,” which is another out-of-left-field tune that shows the band can still rock out while indulging in a little folksy storytelling.
Before this album came out, The Stolen Minks were already a top-notch band. With these songs added to their growing canon, the all-girl trio is now on par with fellow Canadian girls Vancougar.
The Stolen Minks’ newest release may not have an instant classic about sex with Batman like their first album, but it does have eight kick-ass originals by one of Canada’s finest exports.
For a fun bonus, scope out The Stolen Minks' tour blog, which includes plenty of pictures of cats, dogs, and Chevy Chase worship and an entry about the show they played at The Earl with The Renegades/Black Lips and The Goodnight Loving. In that entry, the band reveals they will be back this spring to play an Atlanta show with New York's Vivian Girls. That will be a can't miss show.
