WHEREVER YOU ARE NOT
You've read a little, making what you need of what you read,upholding your dislikes by weaving sin between the lines.
You've spent your waking life proclaiming how the next will be,
praying all the tales are true as you wither on the vine.
'To each his own', as long as that conforms.
'To each his own', if his own resembles yours.
You'll gladly propagate the truth but can't recall it's roots.
Well, I'll bet my wealth entire you're digging nowhere even near.
You're more than happy hearing 'just-might-be's as absolutes,
but so quick to fork your tongue when the question's crystal clear.
It's an all too rare being who toes so chaste a line,
but your status owes much more to chance than design.
I like to think I sometimes win because it's not all fair,
and I cheat because I know the finest things are never free.
Wherever you end up, I guarantee I won't be there,
and wherever you are not will be peace enough for me.
"Barnsley trio Mynas offer up three tracks of melodic, easy-on-the-ears
indie with just enough undemanding hooks to make for enjoyable
listening. The opening track 'If You Work Hard....' sees frontman Miller
employ a shivery up and down vocal style that gives this slice of
meandering indie an edge, even if the lyrics are a little too thin on the
ground to fully make use of Miller's inspired vocal work.
The frequent musical interludes are filled with jerky guitars, spring-heeled
drums and jangling chords that more than compensate for the scant vocals..."
- leedsmusicscene
MYNAS have cracked on with remaining members to release their current demo
If You Work Hard. Begging the question, did they even need
a fourth member in the first place?...” - sheffieldmusic
RETREAT
I may have all the grace of an emu's landing, but, bad dancing notwithstanding,I know you're deeply impressed.
Despite the uninspiring service at the bar,
to better the night that you've had so far,
I know that you'd be hard pressed.
My themes of discourse may be brazen,
but I'll fake a wounded gaze and
I know you'll know why you came.
No pressure, but drinks aren't free,
and my curfew's 10:15
(though my ankle won't long bear this tag).
Delusions of acceptance shattered by suspicion,
but your retreat won't mar my mission
because I know you're flying my flag.
My themes of discourse may be brazen,
but I'll fake a wounded gaze and
I know you'll know why you came.
I read your profile daily,
and, when you covertly hail me,
there is a light that never will go out.
Your retreat won't mar my mission.
"Barnsley rock alt-sters, Mynas are releasing 'Retreat' as their first offering of 2009; an unassuming but bright little (three track) single that jingles and jangles in typical Mynas stylee.
Mynas once again keep it all very grounded and beautifully real. There's a feeling of familiarly unfamiliar about Mynas' work; nothing totally new or adventurous but loads of easy-on-the-ear rockin' pop with definite indie undercurrents and a big dose of catchability! All the right ingredients for pop success are there in Mynas' work - exposure and a bit of good fortune could take Mynas to the next level and 'Retreat' could be the 'carrier' of that success.
'Retreat', and its smaller 'brothers', 'The Only Friend You Need' and 'Masons', more than compensates for its lack of 'envelope pushing' by its pop sensibility and likeable friendliness. Mynas' sound is quite understated by today's standards; the guys let the songs do the talking and rely on well proportioned instrumentation rather than over-dub over-kill. The noble bass of Chris Scarfe combines superbly with the strident beats of Steve 'Agga' Booth's drumming and together they shuffle and grind the artistic backdrop for Del Scott Miller to lay down his florid guitars over which he 'croons' with Weller-esque eloquence and confidence. The overall result is somewhat relaxed, pleasantly rewarding and cleverly hooky rather than in-yer-face, mundane and obvious - a nice change from much of the current alt/indie scene methinks!
Pretty well recorded and nicely accessible, 'Retreat' certainly gets the job done although I can't help but feel that it's just a little short on interesting or unusual dynamics occasionally. That said, there's nowt at all wrong with how this has been assembled; the low-key but catchy approach seems to be very much what Mynas are going for and in that respect they've pretty much nailed it. Mynas aren't yer average indie outfit; Mynas write great songs and perform them with solidarity and finesse rather than going for the big treatment, 'shock and awe', tactics. Mynas lay down tasty, radio-friendly grooves and remain mindful of instrumental separation and user-friendliness and by maintaining their 'cool' they sit somewhat removed from the over-done indie 'norm'.
'Retreat' by Mynas shows that indie and/or alt rock still has much to offer and together this intrepid trio combine as one to dish out their meaty, beaty wares with relish and gusto. Good work this; cool grooves and a positive, workmanlike release, a real 'grower' and one to watch out for!" - toxic pete
'Retreat', and its smaller 'brothers', 'The Only Friend You Need' and 'Masons', more than compensates for its lack of 'envelope pushing' by its pop sensibility and likeable friendliness. Mynas' sound is quite understated by today's standards; the guys let the songs do the talking and rely on well proportioned instrumentation rather than over-dub over-kill. The noble bass of Chris Scarfe combines superbly with the strident beats of Steve 'Agga' Booth's drumming and together they shuffle and grind the artistic backdrop for Del Scott Miller to lay down his florid guitars over which he 'croons' with Weller-esque eloquence and confidence. The overall result is somewhat relaxed, pleasantly rewarding and cleverly hooky rather than in-yer-face, mundane and obvious - a nice change from much of the current alt/indie scene methinks!
Pretty well recorded and nicely accessible, 'Retreat' certainly gets the job done although I can't help but feel that it's just a little short on interesting or unusual dynamics occasionally. That said, there's nowt at all wrong with how this has been assembled; the low-key but catchy approach seems to be very much what Mynas are going for and in that respect they've pretty much nailed it. Mynas aren't yer average indie outfit; Mynas write great songs and perform them with solidarity and finesse rather than going for the big treatment, 'shock and awe', tactics. Mynas lay down tasty, radio-friendly grooves and remain mindful of instrumental separation and user-friendliness and by maintaining their 'cool' they sit somewhat removed from the over-done indie 'norm'.
'Retreat' by Mynas shows that indie and/or alt rock still has much to offer and together this intrepid trio combine as one to dish out their meaty, beaty wares with relish and gusto. Good work this; cool grooves and a positive, workmanlike release, a real 'grower' and one to watch out for!" - toxic pete
Photos by Ian Parker Photography