CD Review

Artist: Mardeen

Title: Read Less Minds

Label: Collagen

Release Date: Aug 12 2008

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

From the first resonating beats of this record, it is clear that Mardeen is a band with staying power. The trio of cousins is from the small community of Whycocomagh, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, who have been playing music together since they were 12 years old. It shows. The band has great harmony with a sound that is very unified and confident. This calming yet moving album plays from beginning to end without a low point or noticeably inferior track.

Their music is sharp, and classically melodic with many radio-worthy songs. The first single, “Kids,” kicks off the album and sounds like an instant hit. The rest of the album rolls smoothly along with upbeat pop hooks and catchy choruses mixed with alt-rock guitar and harmonious vocals. The songs seem to have varied inspiration from bands like Weezer, The Ramones, and REM, and sometimes remind one of the punchy beats of The Strokes mixed with the vocals of Mobile.

Mardeen excels at their faster, rockier songs, but they still have some slower, pensive tracks that relax the mind and sooth the heart. The album showcases their varied abilities while focusing on faster, brighter tracks. With their catchy alt-rock/pop beats and strong vocals, it sure seems like Mardeen has been reading minds.   

1) Kids (4:05) 

2) Come Back (3:18) 

3) City Lights (3:18) 

4) Howling (4:50) 

5) You Feel It (3:05)  

6) Honour (3:55) 

7) We're Moving Eyes (4:44) 

8) Pretty Smart (4:50) 

9) A Lot to Be Loved (4:09) 

10) Telephones (3:30) 

11) Things Are Hot (5:04) 

12) Keep On (3:36)