Mind Brains

From the eccentric oasis of Athens, Georgia come Mind Brains, a shambling psych-pop ensemble featuring members of Marshmallow Coast, Olivia Tremor Control, the New Sound Numbers, and several other notables from the city's vibrant indie scene. Their self-titled debut for Orange Twin is a highly collaborative affair and many have hailed them as a sort of Elephant 6 supergroup. There is certainly a freewheeling, exploratory spirit to the album, which melds together experimental Flaming Lips-ian pop with droning electronics, Krautrock tribalism, and bits of Gary Numan-esque new wave. Charming freakouts like "Body Horror" and the spooky "Strange Remember" are stitched together by short, effect-laden interludes that range from haywire amp sounds to cut-up guitar/sound effect pastiches. There are layers of ear candy and plenty of textural psychedelia, but it all seems a bit untethered, feeling more like the work of a collective than of a unified band. The music is cerebral and full of interesting ideas floating off in multiple directions without any major themes to anchor it. One of the strongest tracks, the album-opening "Happy Stomp," creates a sprawling, mystical mood as it meanders dreamily around a single chord. Throughout the album, there are layers of ear candy and plenty of textural psychedelia with interesting ideas floating off in a variety of directions. It comes off as a bit unfocused at times, but Minds Brains are a highly creative group.