Mindwalk Blvd - Art Crime EP

Boston-area power trio Mindwalk Blvd takes some steps forward on their brief but satisfying EP Art Crime. The three songs - "Alone," a murky, heavy tune reminiscent of Bleach-era Nirvana, power ballad "What Do You Say," and title track "Art Crime," with its menacing chorus ("You can't escape from the only world you know") - show a group increasingly comfortable in their songwriting. The musical chops have been present for a while in the teenagers, and are evident again here in Tyler Hudson's fierce drumming, Mike Avakian's deft bass lines, and Jordan Ferreira's chunky rhythm and nimble solos on guitar.

This EP was produced by well-known metal producer Andrew Murdock, aka Mudrock, who has previously worked with Godsmack and Avenged Sevenfold. He mixes things pretty tight here, getting a good sound from the trio without too many bells and whistles. The few augmentations are hit (the walking keyboard sound on closer "Art Crime" adds a spookiness to the atmosphere) or miss (auto-tuned vocals on opener "Alone" - this track sounds better live). Still, he has definitely coaxed out the group's best songwriting to date. The future for this talented band is bright and it's exciting to see what it holds.

Buy it from the band's site
Mindwalk Blvd Site

Live Review - 9/27/09 Mindwalk Blvd Release Party at Hard Rock Cafe

Mindwalk Blvd, a power trio from the northern suburbs of Boston, played in the Hard Rock Cafe's Cavern Club in Boston's Fanueil Hall to celebrate the release of their The Art Crime EP. The group, consisting entirely of teenagers, gave a dense and extended set to their fans. Their heavy, dense sound and energy lent itself well to a live environment.

Eratoxica followed, continuing the high energy and hard sound that Mindwalk Blvd led with. Singer Bethanie boasts a great voice and really belted out mostly originals with a few covers.

The sound quality was good in the Cavern Club, with high volume and resounding bass. Not the kind of place to go if you want to have a nice dinnertime conversation.

Mindwalk Blvd Site
Eratoxica Site