Cosmic Mints – DAWGS (2023)
With a psychedelic swirl, a funky shove, folk-inspired blasts and synths lapping at your feet, German band Cosmic Mints are rather hard to define. Hailing from Freiburg, a city that “is almost culturally dead…no studios, almost no venues to play at, no proper music scene and no support from the city itself to make that better….” (their words, not mine), it is sensational to see or rather hear awesome music rising up and taking a stand. Formed five years ago by self-taught musicians, Cosmic Mints share a unique, eclectic and intriguing sound with their audiences. The latest addition to the band’s discography is the EP, DAWGS.
Embracing a DIY approach to making music, Comic Mints have a sound that is raw, honest, intimate and purely Cosmic Mints. Following their self-titled debut EP, DAWGS is the band’s first release in three years and what a way to blast into the new year. From the opening track ‘Nighttime’ to ‘Deafening Storm’, the six-piece traverse funk, folk, psychedelia, indie-rock, country and reggae. It is this constant traipsing across genres that actually make Cosmic Mints truly genre-defying in their eclecticism.
One of the elements I love about DAWGS is the richness of its sound whether it be in the hypnotic ‘Nighttime’, country-inspired ‘Coffee Later?’ or indie-folk meets pop ballad ‘Don’t Move’. Moreover, the tracks range from poignant melancholy to amusing narratives – particularly in ‘Coffee Later?’ with a charming conversation between a dude who tries to chat up this gal but, hell, it ain’t gonna work.
While the vocals certainly enhance the melody’s richness with bold warmth, even in the more desperate tracks, the instrumentation has a soul-soaring quality. Pounding drums meld with sincere synths, dynamic guitars (including an amazing ukelele), and interspersed strings slicing through the tunes. The band explain that they “don’t really belong to a certain genre…we just do what comes out of our minds and don’t set ourselves barriers in any way…”
Considering the vast differences between each of the tracks, it is difficult to choose a favourite tune. Personally, I would probably opt for ‘Nighttime’ because of its mystical ambience and hazy, almost narcotic-like sensation. Then again, ‘Deafening Storm’ has a strong reggae vibe slathered over the chilled-out obscurity ending DAWGS with a toe-tapping ska style.
I was completely unsure of what to expect when I hit the play button on DAWGS, but after listening to the diverse EP I have come to one conclusion: I adore this eclectic, eccentric and completely inimitable group! In addition to the German band Ingravity, I can honestly say Cosmic Mints is of the most enjoyable and remarkable bands to cross my virtual desk this year. I cannot wait for their upcoming album later this year.
For more from Cosmic Mints, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
