Mike Mains and the Branches have finally released their anticipated sophomore record, Calm Down, Everything Is Fine. I’ve been listening to MM&tB for about two years now, after hearing their song “Stereo” on RadioU (http://radiou.com). I was hooked instantly by their indie rock sound, raw vocals, and all-around entertaining music. About a year after discovering them, I was pleased to be able to download and listen to their first album, Home.
Mike Mains and the Branches are very consistent, so someone looking for a reinvented sound from album to album will be disappointed. I, however, appreciate a band sticking to their sound, though still be able to grow with it. Mike Mains has certainly done that with this album.
My favorite track from this album is, without a doubt, “By My Side”. It was the song that immediately stuck out to me, and continues to with each listen. I also really enjoyed “In the Night”. The strong point of Mike Mains and the Branches is not their songwriting, but their musical talent. The lyrics, I feel, are fairly basic, but the music behind it makes the album a joy to listen to.
The album has been one of my favorites so far this year, and I look forward to where this slightly more mature direction will lead.
