Review: MiXE1 – 'Don't Break Apart'

MIXE1
'Don't Break Apart'
SELF-RELEASED

It's been a while since we last heard from electro-rockers MiXE1. Their last outing was the very promising 'Starlit Skin' in 2014 which showed off the band's sound augmented by the newly included guitars and live drums. The end result is a punk-infused electro-rock, full of big choruses and dance friendly-melodies, but with enough room for additional experimentation. Three years on Mike Evans and co. return with their latest single 'Don't Break Apart'.

The new single already shows a significant step-forward from the last album with a more polished presentation that reveals a big emotionally-charged electro rock anthem that packs a very powerful kick. The slow and synth-led beginning erupts into a sing-a-long chorus boosted by the power of the guitars and drums that continue to push the song forward, temporarily finding room for a big breakdown, before kicking it up a notch for the close of the song.

The title track is followed by b-side, 'Meteor', which kicks off with a nice dirty guitar riff right off the bat before going into a hard and heavy assault reminiscent of early Orgy, Static-X, Powerman 5000, and Mad Capsule Markets held together by Evans emotional pop vocal projection.

The single is rounded off by a dark and claustrophobic remix courtesy of Ruinizer that elevates the original track into a more desperate and industrial flavoured cut.

As mentioned earlier the production has come on a lot. Evans has always been ambitious but this single shows that he is now hitting his stride in both song-writing and execution. The synths have the power of big dance hits alone, and when coupled with the vocals, guitars and drums, the end result is almost cinematic in atmosphere.

This is a very strong single that shows a band reaching their potential having taken the time to commit and work hard on their sound. The single indicates the next full-length from the band will definitely be one to watch out for. But in the meantime there is plenty here to whet a few appetites.  

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Review: Mixe1 – 'Starlit Skin'

MIXE1
'Starlit Skin'
SELF-RELEASED 

It's been great to see Mixe1 go from an interesting solo project to promising band. The creativity and conceptual edge of Mike Evans vision has received a big shot of adrenalin courtesy of live guitars and drums. The end result is a punk-infused electro-rock that is full of big choruses and dance friendly-melodies.

The début album comes after three very strong EP releases, and exhibits a moodier and far more aggressive side than before. Songs like 'Talking In Our Sleep', 'Break You Down', 'Here', 'The Show', 'All 4 U' are fast and hard with the dynamic array of synths we've come to expect perfectly complimenting the rock instruments underpinning them. The band aren't afraid to get experimental either with 'Plug Me In Tonight' using the synths to great effect for a harsh but melodic centrepiece. But it's the band's final track on the album 'Airways' that is the biggest achievement with it's room-filling sound pushing it forward as the obvious choice for a live set closer.

In terms of production it isn't quite as polished as it could be. There is still a roughness to the recording that could ideally be ironed out. But in terms of the mix the band still sound fantastic. If fact this is the best the band have ever sounded, especially when it comes to Mike Evans' dynamic vocal range, which really drives the album.

'Starlit Skin' is a big step for a band that have, for the past few years, shown a lot of promise. The new writing style works well and they truly feel like they have arrived at a modern and relevant sound. You shouldn't be surprised if Mixe1 get snapped up by another label based on this effort.

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Review: MiXE1 – 'Lights Out'

MIXE1 

'Lights Out' 

STATIC DISTORTION  

Starting as the solo vehicle of songwriter Mike Evans, MiXE1 has made an impact very quickly in the electro scene with a strong, hook-laden sound that distils the essence of multiple genres with ease. Two successful EPs later and Evans has augmented the project into a full band. Along with new cohorts Lee Towson and Lee O'Brien the band that is MiXE1 have released their first collaborative effort in the form of 'Lights Out'.

The elements that made MiXE1 stand out still remain – hot synth hooks, passionate and varied vocals, and fundamentally good song writing – but throw in live drums and some excellent guitar riffs and 'Lights Out' immediately feels like and instant game changer. There is a nice dance pace throughout the album and it refrains from descending into any waters that would turn off fans of the 'Module...' EPs. That being said, songs such as 'Lights Out', 'Part Of Me' and 'This Time' are such strong slices of electro rock that feel much more energetic and organic that the previous material, and will certainly translate very well to live performance. Though the album's highlight has to be the soaring and emotionally charged 'Find You', which really shows off the prowess of the band as a unit.

The EP is excellently produced with a clean and balanced sound . The guitars and live drums feel a lot more prominent in the mix, which gives the songs more energy for the vocals to bounce off. Speaking of which, this has to be one of Evans' strongest performances as a vocalist.

This is a very positive sounding step for MiXE1. The songs sound a lot less self-conscious and more confident in their execution. It's going to be very exciting to finally hear the full-length album due out later this year.

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