Mental as Anything

After 25 years of making music together, the boys in Mental As Anything made some serious career decisions. Bassist Peter O'Doherty decided to leave the band and concentrate on his family and art. Guitarist Reg Mombassa (O'Doherty's brother) followed, leaving two vacancies in the band. Enter guitarist Murray Cook and bassist/guitarist Duck Barraclough (though O'Doherty and Mombassa make guest appearances). Alongside guitarist Martin Plaza and keyboardist Greedy Smith, Barraclough became an active songwriter and vocalist. Though he is not yet the equal of O'Doherty or Mombassa, he fits snugly into the band, serving as the perfect foil for the original members, especially Plaza. With the lineup change came a shift in musical direction as well. Plaza's solo recordings have always embraced dance rhythms and for the first time, he's brought some of them with him onto a Mentals album. "Fine Line," the first single and opening track, introduces this new sound immediately with its loopy rhythm and speak-sung verses. More like a B-side than an A-side, this semi-instrumental track is interesting at best. "Special Filter" is classic Mentals, though a bit more sophisticated rhythmically. Imagine "Big Wheel" from Fundamental with a groovy dance beat. "Stretchmarks" and "The Ballad of Narell Pts. One and Two" are Barraclough-led tracks and rock harder (with less melodic flair) then any previous Mentals release. "Davy Jones Got the Part" takes a humorous look at Charles Manson being passed over after auditioning for a part in the Monkees. Smith, usually the trusty pop tunesmith of the band, serves up three fine tracks that recall the Mentals of old: "Holiday Away From My Head," "Different Girls," and "$25 More" (why didn't they give him more space on this album?). "Love Concussion," with first-time vocals by drummer Twohill, features all five original band members, though unfortunately, it sounds like a B-side. For listeners unfamiliar with the Mentals, this may be an appealing introduction to the talents of the band. Even as a collection of solo offshoots, this would have been a treat. For longtime fans, though, perhaps they should have changed the band's name to Experimental As Anything. ~ Stephen "Spaz" Schnee, All Music Guide