Oslo’s Mayflower Madame are purveyors of darkly inflected post punk with swirls of psychedelia. Offered here is their first full length album, a lacy collection redolent of twilit rooms and black candles. Their ominous sound enthralls you from the very first track, “Confusion Hill”, which has all the requisite elements: throbbing bass, echoing guitars, and a slightly sinister vocal from vocalist/guitarist Trond F. By the time “Forever (The End of Everything)” unfurls its obvious Chameleons influence (the guitars alone should convince you) and still holds its own as a stand out track, you know these guys have the goods. It stands to reason that Joy Division and The Cure and maybe Nick Cave figure largely in their respective music collections, but that is all to their credit. Many have been called to mimic their heroes, but few really get it right. Mayflower Madame has nothing to worry about, they have it nailed! On “Into the Haze (Redux)”, the opening guitar reminds me of The Doors and continues informing the dark miasma that shrouds this song, a mash up of icy post punk with an overlay of goth.
“Lovesick” has a kickin’ guitar riff that insinuates itself into your brain along with Trond’s deep vocals, leaving you wanting more. The title track is only slightly more upbeat and a lot trippier than the previous tunes; I like the hazy buzz of guitars flitting through this song. Once again, the Chameleons are brought to mind with the use of propulsive, chunky guitar sonic layers. “Self Seer” has hints of prog along with a firm measure of post punk. I really like the way the organ and guitar wind together sinuously, offering a firm foundation to carry this song through. And ooh, “Weightless” is a cool way to close things out. It is short and offers up reverb laden guitar that nearly impales you like a hot poker as it marches to its conclusion. Mayflower Madame is definitely a modern post punk band to watch! Check out their music on their Bandcamp page and catch up with the band over on Facebook.
