Mike Mineo

"Absences" is a stellar track from Ninth Floor Mannequin that features crisp guitars and a bustling post-punk bass line beautifully complementing the hazy vocals throughout. I'm particularly fond of the bridge around the two-minute mark, where a spacey synth backing combines with slick guitar lines -- nicely reminiscent of a lusher Muse. The hypnotic structure is a nice fit for this style in particular, both in regard to the post-punk/pop infectiousness and personal lyrics. The fact that the performance, recording, mixing, and mastering all comes via one person makes it even more impressive. Thanks a ton for the submission -- I'll be posting it on OS in the near future. Feel free to reach out to me at mike@obscuresound.com if interested in details regarding my digital PR servicing. -Mike

Alan Poyer

Thanks for sending! Notes while listening:

Vocals are well done, with the double-tracking tastefully filling out the right sections for emphasis. 

Love the harmonies at :54. The C at 1:06 is a perfect example of how to hit that high note correctly. Too many strain their voices and push through, which usually ruins the piece for me. You did it with ease and grace.

Wow. The last chorus really pulls at the heart. Favorite part of the piece is the progression at 2:52 - 3:05 with the soaring vocal. 

- Leaves the listener wanting more - in a good way.

One small note not related to the piece is the Soundcloud download file is an .aif - I'd recommend either a .WAV or MP3 format. I saw the EP is available on Souncloud and Wavo - why not throw it on Bandcamp as well? That way people have the option of naming their own price or downloading with more file formats. Just a thought : )

Anyway, I'll definitely share this out, and I'd love to write a post as well. Thanks again for sending!

Chelsea Schwartz

This song really takes you on a journey (lots of twists & turns while being very melodic and soothing), and after reading your description I understand it on a whole new level. Beautiful.

Chelsea Schwartz

This is the second track I've received from Ninth Floor Mannequin and I must say I'm becoming a fan. While it doesn't stand out and cry to be put on repeat, there's something captivating about the sound. Please let me know if you're ever gigging in LA. Would love to see how this translates live.

Mike Mineo

Ninth Floor Mannequin's "Candor (Captor's Lament)" engages listeners immediately with a hypnotic bass crawl and soothing vocals, ethereal in their delivery yet flexible enough to adjust alongside the infectious instrumental build-up. This build-up culminates in a uniquely powerful chorus just after the one-minute mark, with sporadic percussive stomps, guitar squeals, and fragmented vocals combining for melodic beauty and unconventional hooky-ness. This verse -> chorus repeats again over the next minute, with some cool percussive work and guitar accompaniments around 02:20 helping lead again into the creative chorus, which is a meaty hook in itself. This final 01:00-01:30 or so is really fantastic and atmospherically gripping -- the guitar/percussive interplay really shines, with a darkly infectious sound that reminds me of if Tool and A Perfect Circle embraced electronic methods a bit more. Really nice work -- I have no criticisms. Look out for a feature on http://obscuresound.com in the near future, and reach out to me at mike@obscuresound.com if interested in hearing more about my digital PR servicing. -Mike

Annie White

love the clapping! the vocals sound a little bit thin--maybe add some harmonies. what you do at minute 1 is neat, though i'd make it bigger sounding--bigger bass, etc, to really make an impact. gets a bit drawn out toward the end--don't think you need the musical interlude at 2:30 onward--the listener will lose attention.
overall nice work.

A.j. Logan

Wow! I heard a lot of different things in just a few minutes. Crazy good song! I would love to feature this on Indie Music Lives Here. Can you get this MP3 to aj@ indiemusicliveshere.com!