Mines cover

Mines

Menomena · 2010

54 min · 11 tracks · experimental rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate rhythms and layered instrumentation that challenges conventional song structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Queen Black Acid — Opening the album, this track sets a surreal tone with its haunting melodies and complex structures, encapsulating Menomena's distinctive experimental style.
  • →
    Killemall — This song features dynamic shifts in tempo and atmosphere, showcasing the band's ability to blend whimsical lyrics with intricate musicality.
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    Oh Pretty Boy, You’re Such a Big Boy — The track stands out for its playful yet poignant exploration of maturity and innocence, highlighted by an engaging chorus that contrasts with darker lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Mines showcases intricate arrangements and a unique sound, solidifying Menomena's place in experimental rock.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with the instrumentation, enhancing the textural depth.
  • The first half of the album maintains a more energetic tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sleeping Beauty

    In a pivotal verse, the lyrics shift from nostalgic recollections to stark realizations about unfulfilled dreams.

    This transition enhances the emotional weight of the song, illustrating a tension between longing for the past and confronting present realities.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Queen Black Acid 4:47
  • 2 TAOS 5:00
  • 3 Killemall 4:06
  • 4 Dirty Cartoons 4:52
  • 5 Tithe 4:53
  • 6 BOTE 5:52
  • 7 Lunchmeat 3:29
  • 8 Oh Pretty Boy, You’re Such a Big Boy 5:19
  • 9 Five Little Rooms 4:57
  • 10 Sleeping Beauty 5:17
  • 11 INTIL 5:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata