Mi Ami: 'Watersports'
Some bands fall into genres quite nicely. They identify what they want to achieve early on and write accordingly, play the right venues and develop the right sound. Some bands choose to be alternative, not tying themselves down to a bracket and selecting a direction when it suits them. And the there are bands that are just, well, puzzling. With no discernible genre or goal they create music at will, often with outlandish and eye opening results. Mi Ami fall into this category. With tracks that stun, impress, disappoint and enthrall, Watersports is certainly an album that will stick in the memory.
One thing the album can never be accused of being is subtle. Opener 'echononecho' commences with a high pitch squeal from vocalist Daniel Martin – McCormick that, without looking, would lead anyone to believe he was in fact a woman. The track its self is a mammoth 8:30 long, and unfortunately it often seems stretched in places. The instrumentation is intriguing, with complex drumming from Damon Palermo and a punchy bass line from Jacob Long contrasting to create a funky jazz vibe. Martin – McCormick's repetition of the track title provides the vocals, along with a somewhat ill placed and tuneless overdriven guitar solo midway through. It certainly is a mixed bag, with the addition of cowbells adding a samba feel to an already confused track, and by the time it departs its hard to know what to make of such a cacophony of sound.
It certainly seems to be a running theme within the album that songs should be devoid of structure. 'New Guitar' begins with a rush of guitar and cymbal crashes and a promise for yet another roller-coaster ride of a track, only for the intro to continue for a full minute before any sign of vocal input. When it eventually arrives it is in usual chaotic style, but with accomplished if not slightly messy instrumentation it remains effective. All is halted however with a sudden lull. Bass and drums yet again handle the duties in a mellow style, with odd guitars solo and some gratuitous screeching thrown in for accompaniment. And so the song fades out, leaving a sense of confusion and unfulfilled curiosity at what might have been. 'White Wife' also proves to be a head scratcher. Again around the 8:00 mark, it strolls along with a constant cymbal roll and light guitar melody and occasional wails from Martin – McCormick through it's duration, hinting at an explosion yet never actually delivering. It is good but certainly confusing, making it impossible to predict what is expected from one track to the next.
One thing that certainly is a constant is the erratic nature of the vocals. There have been many artists that have made a living from their curious and outlandish vocal styles, and it undoubtedly seems that this is what Martin – McCormick is trying to achieve. However at times it all becomes a little bit too much, with 'The Man In Your House' containing nothing more than screamed words and wails for it's full 5:00 duration. It certainly is a shame as the instrumentation shows promise and develops atmosphere, yet the track becomes almost unlistenable once vocals are applied. Similary, 'Pressure' promises a great deal musically with some fantastic offbeat drumming and a mellow guitar riff, only for it to be ruined with yet more off key wailing. There is certainly a place for vocals of an outlandish nature in music, but perhaps a little more refinement would help in increasing the effect of Martin – McCormick's.
For all the near misses there are some successful tracks. 'Freed From Sin' proves to be effective with a solid bass line, admirably technical drumming and surprisingly on key vocals making it more than listenable and showing what potential the trio have. 'Peacetalks/Downer' also serves to exhibition the group's musical talent, with a wide range of instruments building up an intricate and complex sound. When directed and applied, the band create unique and insightful tracks and this is something that will no doubt be there unique selling point in the future.
Many things can be said about Mi Ami and Watersports, but the album proves to be so confusing that they have to be carefully considered before hand. There is definitely potential in amongst the wailing, frenzied instrumentation and mammoth tracks, and with a more refined approach it will undoubtedly be allowed to shine through. As a whole, it proves to be thought provoking and challenging to the boundaries of genre and style. But the frustrating thing is these thoughts will likely remain a mystery even after an age of consideration.
Words: Dan Grose
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