Album Review: Touched by Spiritual Mansions
So, I finally gave Touched by Spiritual Mansions a spin. Released back in 2009 on Afternoon Records, this indie rock gem from the US kinda sneaks up on you. At first glance, it’s your standard pop/rock album, but once you dive into the tracks, there’s something raw and real about it that sticks. Let’s break it down.
First off, let’s talk about “I’m Gonna Break His Heart.” This track? Pure fire. It’s got this punchy energy with Ryan Harris’ vocals leading the charge—his voice cracks just enough to feel human, ya know? The lyrics are simple but hit hard, like when you’re madly in love (or madly jealous) and wanna spill your guts. Aaron "Hix" Lee’s lead guitar riffs are sharp as hell, and Keisha Harris’ backing vocals add this layer of drama that makes the whole thing pop. Honestly, this song stayed stuck in my head for days—not because it’s catchy in a sugary way, but because it feels alive. Like, you can almost picture the band sweating it out in some tiny studio late at night.
Then there’s “Lady Cascade,” which is just... different. I mean, how often do you hear a piccolo flute and trumpet in an indie rock song? Props to Danielle Finch and Holly Habstritt for bringing those unexpected vibes. The mix of electronics by Collin Gorman Weiland gives it this dreamy, almost otherworldly feel. It’s not perfect—there are moments where it feels like the instruments are competing for attention—but maybe that’s the point. It’s messy in a good way, like life itself.
One thing I gotta mention is Dave Gardner’s mastering job—he really cleaned things up without losing the grit. Dustin Miller handled recording and mixing duties, and while some parts could’ve been tighter, the looseness works here. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to overthink it; they just wanted to make music that felt honest.
Now, if I had one gripe, it’d be the repetition. Tracks like “Song For A Liar” and “What I Miss The Most” show up twice. Was that intentional? Lazy editing? Who knows, but it threw me off a bit. Still, the heart behind the album shines through.
Reflecting on Touched, it’s not gonna blow everyone away, and honestly, that’s okay. It’s the kind of record you stumble upon years later and think, “Damn, why don’t more people know about this?” Maybe it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s genuine—and sometimes, that’s all you need. Oh, and fun fact: Anthony Schaefer plays both electric bass AND upright bass. Dude’s clearly got skills. Wonder if he practices standing up or sitting down?
Anyway, give Touched a listen if you’re into indie rock with a side of quirks. Just don’t expect perfection—expect personality. And hey, isn’t that what music’s supposed to be about anyway?
