Mind Control EP by Neon Knives: A Noisy Love Letter to Chaos
Alright, let’s get this straight—Neon Knives’ Mind Control EP isn’t for the faint of heart. Released in 2015 under No Front Teeth Records, this gritty little rock monster stomps through lo-fi punk, noise, and no wave like it owns the damn place. It’s raw, unfiltered, and kinda feels like someone threw a brick through your window—but you’re into it.
The band hails from the US, Canada, and Europe (yeah, they’re international troublemakers), and every track reeks of DIY rebellion. Brandon Bodiford handles most of the chaos—artwork, bass, recording, vocals, AND synth? Dude doesn’t sleep, apparently. Ryan GVSC brings the drums and co-vocals, while Justin Long shreds guitar hard enough to make your ears bleed rainbows. Melissa Bodiford adds some spooky synths that lurk in the background like a ghost haunting your stereo.
Now, onto the tracks. “Knife In The Night” kicks things off with a punch-you-in-the-face energy that won’t quit. The guitars are jagged, the drums sound like they were recorded in a dumpster (in a good way), and the vocals spit venom like a pissed-off snake. It’s catchy as hell though—you’ll be humming its twisted melody while wondering if you need therapy. This song sticks with you because it’s relentless; it doesn’t ask for permission, it just takes over your brain.
Then there’s “Mind Control,” which is basically what happens when punk meets dystopian sci-fi nightmares. The bassline slithers around like it’s trying to hypnotize you, and the lyrics hit hard—paranoia wrapped up in noisy riffs. You can almost picture Brandon screaming his guts out in some dingy basement studio, sweat dripping everywhere. It’s messy, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.
“Telemania” and “Chinese Hearts” round out the EP, each bringing their own brand of weirdness. But honestly, it’s those first two tracks that burrow into your skull and refuse to leave. They’re not perfect—they’re better than perfect. They’re real.
Here’s the kicker: this album shouldn’t work. It’s too loud, too sloppy, too all-over-the-place. But somehow, it does. Maybe that’s the magic of Neon Knives. Or maybe I’m just losing my mind. Either way, listening to Mind Control EP feels like getting electrocuted by art. And honestly? I kinda wanna do it again.
So grab a copy if you’re tired of polished garbage and want something that bites back. Just don’t blame me when it ruins your day—in the best possible way.
