An Interview with The Mirrors
- BuzzSlayers
- 6 minutes ago
- 6 min read
The new EP release from The Mirrors does an amazing job of delivering what I would consider to be a cross of post-punk, progressive rock, and cinematic pop, all rolled into one seamless record that really has the ability to build a huge atmosphere by only a few songs in.
Ambrosia is the kind of album you listen to with headphones on because it's probably the best way to soak in the vast tonalities and soundscapes that the record delivers from start to finish.
Right from the get-go, you have flowing vocals that feel almost dreamy, sending you into robust and open-ended atmospheres, along with guitars that deliver classic post-punk elements and really create more depth to the already lush sounds that you're hearing.
This is all accompanied by an electronic undertone laced with synthesizers and keys to add different textures to everything, and it actually works amazingly.
"Silent Storm" is the track that opens up the record, and it does such a great job of introducing you to some of the best staples you're going to hear throughout the entire release.
The way that they meld together the natural and digital instrumentation to create bigger and more boisterous choruses is outstanding.
The guitar work across this track and the rest of the record, for that matter, is outstanding. There's almost always a clean but spacious guitar, drenched in a reverb effect, performing arpeggiated progressions and melodies that serve as the backbone to everything, but there's also guitar lines that are a little bit heavier with some distortion on them, that perform more main sort of hooks.
It's not exactly lead solo work, but more of a melodic overlay that continues to build on those layers.
The way the vocals are performed sort of complements the rest of the instrumentation. The guitars sound amazing with the tone of her voice, and how she almost uses that voice is an instrument itself.
Even the verses are very melodically drawn. You get pulled into a lot of these melodies, and then when the choruses come up, things get a bit bigger and slightly more intense.
"Broken" follows suit in some ways, but in others, it branches out and into other influences the band holds close to their heart. I can hear classic rock strewn through songs like this one, and between the drum beat and the guitars, that really shines through plenty.
This is a band that definitely utilizes its different influences to create something that's all its own.
I hear more of the classic rock push with songs like "Shadowplay" which, to me, comes off as one of the catchiest tracks on the record. This is an interesting one because the vocals are more up close and dry instead of wet and filtered into the music itself.
There are also some fun keys going on, but really, this track showcases a bit of a live performance aesthetic.
They can capture a great energy, and it's songs like this one that feel almost like they're performing it all at once, live in a room.
I wasn't there, so I'm not sure how exactly they did record it, of course, but listening to a track like this makes you want to go see them live.
The closing and title track, "Ambrosia", is probably my favorite of the entire thing. This is where a lot of that pop overtone comes in, and this single alone blends all of those influences into one song damn near perfectly.
You have the pop overtone, catchy hooks, post-punk style guitar work, a little bit of electronic influence, and it all gets delivered with a bit of gusto and very memorable sections.
The EP is four songs and under 20 minutes in length, but it feels bigger because of everything that's going on.
Again, there are a lot of layers to sort of soak in, and if you listen to the record from start to finish, all in one shot, you're getting a full experience.
I wouldn't suggest rolling with just one or two songs. When you listen to the full record, you will then get the full spectrum of what it offers.
A lot of these songs rolled into each other amazingly, and also serve as an escape. When you're done listening to this record, you have to shake it off a bit; Reacclimate yourself to reality again.
I also really dig how some of these songs are danceable, while others are cinematic and vast.
What a great combination.
Once I listened to the record, I knew I wanted to have a chat with the band to find out where it all comes from.
So, while you listen to the EP, have a read through of our interview with The Mirrors below.
Remember where you heard it first.
Where did this release come from and what was it about?
Since our last recording was released 2 years ago, it was about time! We felt we needed to keep the fire alive, and also to keep exploring new sounds and approaches. There was also a need to replace the older songs in our live sets.
I am hearing different styles on this EP. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
We are bringing many genres and influences together in this EP. People hear the likes of cold wave pioneers such as New Order, Cocteau Twins but we do not associate ourselves totally with the post punk or any movement. Maybe more like a Nick Cave, who doesn’t belong into anything specific, except his urge to create and the need for poetry. But yes if I could throw names Massive Attack, Goldfrapp, Air, Bat for Lashes, Synthwave music, fans of The Smile. We could fill a book!
Are you performing live right now?
We are planning a return on stage for Fall 2026, there should be a few Canadian dates coming up soon!
How did this all start for you as a band?
We launched the project in 2022. At the time we were both curious to explore something outside our personal projects, Nat doing Seakin and I (Hugo speaking) having my instrumental project HJ & the Constellations. Somehow we found magic in the way our voices harmonized and we both could do things we don’t do enough in our other projects. I could sing more and tweak stuff with synths and Nat Lee could play more guitar and keyboards.
Did you work with a producer on this album, or was this all you guys?
We did the production ourselves, in our little home studio. Having no pressure was important for us, we didn’t want the flow of inspiration to be affected by outer influences, like deadlines, studio cost, technical issues, etc. Just cats.
What’s next for you, working on new releases?
We will be getting back to creation very soon. Ideas are continually popping in our hands, we just need the time to transform them into matter.
What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming bands or artists trying to get heard?
I feel that with the democratization of music production, and the availability of music platforms, artists might think it is easier to be heard, but the truth isn’t as simple.
I think musicians still need to push their creativity and manifest themselves physically to a crowd regularly if they want to find an audience. You can’t just hold to your comfort and think you will score plays online, or find your way into a playlist. Music still ask for sacrifice to be made if someone is serious about being a musician
What would you say people can expect to hear on this EP?
This EP marks an evolution for us, we wanted to mess around the possibilities we have, mostly on the electronic side. Drum machine, arpeggiators, but we still keep the organic aspect alive with guitars and vocals. I think this is a well balanced album, upbeat tracks and moody ones. It really defines where we are right now musically.
Before we go, what would you want to express to fans of the music?
We are very grateful to the people who respond to our music. I think by doing the music we want to hear, these songs bring together similar people, we are looking forward to meet our fans, I think we have a lot in common!
Comments