The Mystery Lights’ latest album, Purgatory, is a captivating sonic exploration that sees the Brooklyn-based quintet carving out new territory in the psychedelic rock landscape. Known for their relentless energy and genre-blurring approach, the band’s third studio effort is a bold departure from their earlier work, blending raw, unpolished garage rock with layers of nuanced instrumentation and thematic complexity. With Wayne Gordon returning as producer, Purgatory is a testament to their evolution, filled with tracks that are as unpredictable as they are compelling.
The album bursts open with “Mighty Fine & All Mine”, a riotous introduction that sets the tone for the chaos to come. The titular track, “Purgatory,” is a fever dream of screeching guitars and propulsive rhythms, evoking a sense of urgency that grips you from the first note. Mike Brandon’s vocals are frenzied and impassioned, delivering lyrics that teeter between existential angst and sardonic wit. One of the album’s standout moments, “Sorry I Forgot Your Name,” veers into unexpected territory with a jangly, off-kilter charm reminiscent of The Kinks at their most playful. The song’s blend of melodic hooks and wry storytelling showcases a more whimsical side of the band, adding a splash of color to the album’s otherwise shadowy palette.
“Cerebral Crack” takes the album in a darker, more introspective direction. This brooding track is a slow burn, building tension with each verse before erupting into a maelstrom of distorted guitars and ominous keys. The interplay between LA Solano’s searing guitar lines and Lily Rogers’ haunting organ melodies creates a soundscape that’s as unsettling as it is hypnotic. Brandon’s vocals, dripping with a sense of paranoia and uncertainty, question the very fabric of reality, making for a track that lingers long after the final note fades.
Throughout Purgatory, The Mystery Lights show an impressive command of dynamics, shifting seamlessly from the frenetic to the contemplative. “Can’t Sleep Through the Silence” is a perfect example of this, a track that oscillates between quiet, reflective passages and explosive crescendos. Zach Butler’s drumming is particularly noteworthy here, his percussive flourishes adding a layer of unpredictability to an already complex composition. The song captures the uneasy stillness of a sleepless night punctuated by moments of overwhelming anxiety and introspection. The band’s chemistry is evident across the album, each member playing off the others with an intuitive sense of timing and restraint. Alex Amini’s bass work is a steady anchor amidst the album’s more chaotic moments, his lines weaving through the dense arrangements with a rhythmic fluidity that keeps the songs grounded. Closing with the introspective “Snuck Out,” Purgatory leaves listeners on a contemplative note. The track’s sparse instrumentation and somber mood stand in stark contrast to the frenetic energy of the album’s opening, providing a sense of closure that feels both satisfying and elusive.
With Purgatory, The Mystery Lights have crafted an album that defies easy categorization, blending elements of psych, punk, and art rock into a cohesive whole that’s both challenging and accessible. It’s a record that demands repeated listens, each spin revealing new layers and hidden depths. As they prepare to take this album on the road, one thing is clear: The Mystery Lights are not content to rest on their laurels. They are a band in constant motion, and Purgatory is a thrilling glimpse into where they’re headed next.
