Connect The Dots Coke Bottle Green

I was a fan of Our Own House, Misterwives' first LP, and so I was excited to listen to their sophomore album. Initially, I was disappointed. It felt more disjointed and dark than their buoyant, cheerful, more innocent-sounding first album, and I felt like almost all the songs sounded the same. However, the latter proved to be simply the usual problem with new albums before you really get to know them. It takes time to get to know an album and to fall in love with it. But as you do, each song becomes more distinct and special in its own way, so by now I would be sad to lose any of the songs off Connect the Dots. The album's sound is somewhat darker and more adult than Our Own House's was, it's true, but it does still have some of that fun, swinging, buoyant Misterwives feel, with trumpets and all. ("Chasing This," "Coloring Outside the Lines," or maybe "Machine" might feel the most similar musically to Our Own House to me.) And with that added maturity comes more of a serious feel and deeper overlying themes. This leads to some really cool, angsty songs ("Out of Tune Piano," "Oh Love," parts of "Revolution"), as well as some moments of sheer beauty like when "Only Human" ( a lovely song anyway) blends into the beautiful, moving "Drummer Boy." (The latter feels like a quintessential love song, kind of like the sequel or prequel to "Oceans.") Or the intervening point between the first chorus and second verse of "Drummer Boy"--it's hauntingly lovely, as is the heartbreaking "My Brother" (written, I believe, for Mandy Lee's bipolar brother), especially the bridge; or "Let the Light In" (which develops and progresses into a rousing, powerful, rocky song); or the bridges of "Chasing This" or "Out of Tune Piano." And even if you don't go for hauntingly lovely, "Machine" is full of sass and cheeky individuality--making it seem especially appealing to stand out from the crowd and be different. "Coloring Outside the Lines" is fun and upbeat, while "Out of Tune Piano" and "Oh Love" are catchy in an edgier way. This album's topics range from the band's origin ("Chasing This" and maybe "Band Camp"), their views on the music industry ("Machine"), struggles with anxiety ("Out of Tune Piano"), mental illness ("My Brother"), the shallowness of today's romantic and dating culture ("Only Human," unless I'm misinterpreting it), or the fact that there is more to life than this concrete world ("Let the Light In"). The album also includes wonderful love songs ("Drummer Boy" and "Coloring Outside the Lines," both of which are all the sweeter considering that Mandy Lee and the band's drummer, Etienne Bowler, got married August 2018) to songs of political or societal protest ("Oh Love" and "Revolution" (the latter of which doesn't really come up with a helpful solution, but does have sincerity)). And while I highly doubt I agree with Misterwives' politics or worldview in general, they do seem to be genuinely unique and thoughtful and full of conviction, which makes me feel real respect for them, even if I wouldn't I agree with them on particulars. And with songs like "Revolution," "Oh Love," and "Let the Light In," the messages seem to be about the need to stand up against the tide of evil, even when you feel like you're drowning and can't take it anymore--even if all hope is gone--which is important, no matter what you believe in or consider to be evil. And considering that the final song is "Let the Light In," it feels pretty clear that the band intends the album to be redemptive and pointing to hope--not sunshiny, warm and fuzzy hope, but real, hard hope that you fight to preserve. I love Connect the Dots--I love the singing, I love the music, I love the clever lyrics (which are a treat to discover), and I am so glad that Misterwives came out with it. I believe it builds excellently on the great foundation laid in Our Own House, without covering the same ground--it progresses and explores new tunes and sounds (while still definitely sounding like the same band) and new themes and lyrics. It is not a sophomore slump at all, but a great album that I wish had more recognition.

I saw this band on tour and loved their energy- decided to purchase their new album Connect the dots and I love it!! I have had it playing on repeat for weeks! Lead singer sounds like a combination of Florence and Halsey

Decent album, but not as good as their first. Vinyl was high quality and a cool color. Looking forward to MisterWives’ next album!

Fantastic album! From start to finish they impress with originality and awesome songs. I've been listening to it on repeat since I got it. Keep up the great music!! (I'll be seeing you perform soon in Cincy!)

Bought as a gift, daughter loves it.

Both the vinyl and the sound quality were great.

Love this cd!!!

❤️

Diese CD macht einfach nur Spaß. Wie immer bei mir, wenn es um Musik geht: Aufteilung in Klang und Inhalt.--- Klang ---Die CD ist super produziert, kein Opfer vom Loudness War. Alles klingt klar, knackig, räumlich, nix stört oder fehlt. Das Ergebnis ist ein lebendiges Musikerlebnis. Die Boxen haben richtig Spaß dabei, und somit auch der Hörer.--- Inhalt ---Das war nach "Superbloom" das zweite Album der Band, das ich mir gegönnt habe. Deutliche Unterschiede in der Stimmung. "Connect the Dots" ist viel fröhlicher und die Band noch etwas "unreifer". Aber genau das macht die CD so geil. Schon das erste Lied enthält gefühlt so viel Power, dass man sich fragt was da noch kommen soll. Aber dann kommt noch "Chasing This", "Dummer Boy", "Revolution",... das einzig ruhige Lied ist "Band Camp", auch das ist aber schön geworden.Und diese gute Laune kommt immer, wenn ich die CD höre, egal wie oft. Egal wann. Immer wenn ich schlecht drauf bin, gibt es MisterWives und alles ist schon wieder ein bisschen besser. Bin froh diese Band entdeckt zu haben.Wer eher technisch ausgereiften Gesang mit komplizierten Melodien sucht oder aber auf härtere Musik steht, der ist hier sicher falsch.

Misterwives Connect the Dots album blends indie-inspired pop music with the soul-fired vocals of Mandy Lee's voice in a way that makes you want to sing along to most tracks. This album brings a fresh sound to their music, while keeping in line with the style of their first album.If a female-fronted pop-rock powerhouse is your jam, you'll want to give this album a listen.

Continúa con la inigualable personalidad presentada en Our Own House pero al mismo tiempo se siente fresco haciendo sentir que la banda está evolucionando en lugar de quedarse estancada en el mismo sonido.