Mixtape by Make Do And Mend: A Scrappy Love Letter to Indie Rock, Emo, and Punk Hearts
Let’s get one thing straight—Make Do And Mend's Mixtape is not your polished, overproduced rock album. Nope. It’s raw, it’s messy, it’s like that friend who always shows up late but still somehow steals the show. Hailing from the US and flying solo on their own label (props for independence!), this band stitches together indie rock, emo, and punk in a way that feels less like music and more like a heart-to-heart with an old buddy.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t plan on writing about every track here because ain’t nobody got time for that. But two songs stuck to my brain like gum under a desk: “We All Need Reminders” and “Pachuca Sunrise.”
“We All Need Reminders” kicks things off with a punchy energy that feels like someone just handed you a cup of coffee after a sleepless night. The lyrics are simple yet hit hard, kinda like when your mom texts, “Are you eating enough?” You know she’s right, even if you don’t wanna admit it. The guitars jangle just enough to keep things interesting without trying too hard, which honestly makes me respect them more. It’s catchy as hell, and before you know it, you’re humming along like some kind of emotional karaoke champ.
Then there’s “Pachuca Sunrise,” which sounds like what would happen if Dashboard Confessional decided to take a road trip at 3 AM. There’s something dreamy yet gritty about it, like watching the sun come up through smudged car windows while nursing a hangover. The vocals have this slightly strained quality that screams authenticity—or maybe they were just really tired when they recorded it. Either way, it works. By the end, I was half-convinced I should write poetry or call an ex I haven’t thought about in years. Don’t worry—I resisted both urges.
The rest of the album? Solid. Tracks like “Forget Me” and “Slide Away” bring plenty of emo-punk vibes, while “Protest Song 00” gives off serious activist anthems-for-the-disenchanted energy. And let’s not forget “Love, 23,” which might as well be subtitled “Midlife Crisis: The Musical.” Honestly, it’s all good stuff, though nothing else slapped me across the face quite like those first two tracks did.
What really stands out about Mixtape isn’t just its genre-blending sound—it’s how unapologetically human it feels. These guys aren’t chasing perfection; they’re chasing connection. They remind us that sometimes, the best art comes from embracing imperfection instead of running from it.
So yeah, give Mixtape a spin if you’re into music that feels real rather than rehearsed. Or if you need a soundtrack for staring out rainy windows and contemplating life choices. Just don’t blame me if you start crying during “Pachuca Sunrise.” That one’s on you.
Final thought: If Make Do And Mend ever opens a diner, I’d totally go. Their milkshakes would probably taste like nostalgia and regret—and I mean that in the best possible way.
