Mickelson – If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud. (2025)
Mickelson’s If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud. is an album that doesn’t just reflect the current moment – it roars against it. With sharp lyrical wit and an unmistakable sonic urgency, Mickelson crafts an intricate blend of Americana, post-punk, and folk-rock, all while delivering his most politically charged and emotionally raw work to date. From the anthemic drive of ‘Amplify’ to the hauntingly personal ‘Glowstick’, this album is an evocative journey through both societal unrest and deeply personal struggles.
Mickelson effortlessly straddles multiple genres, channelling the melodic craftsmanship of Elvis Costello and the rhythmic unpredictability of The Plimsouls. Tracks like ‘Only Grey Matter Boiling In My Head’, featuring XTC’s Colin Moulding, add an extra layer of new wave nostalgia, while ‘Two Flat Tires’ leans into the gritty storytelling tradition of Steve Earle. The balance between rock bravado and folk introspection gives the album its dynamic, unpredictable nature, making each song feel both immediate and timeless.
Mickelson has never been more pointed or poignant with his storytelling. ‘Blue Is The Warmest Color’ drips with satirical bite, examining privilege with a tongue-in-cheek playfulness, while ‘Small Town Scandal’ revels in storytelling that is both humorous and razor-sharp. But it’s the moments of vulnerability – such as the raw honesty in “Glowstick” – that make If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud. truly stand out. The ability to weave together frustration, reflection, and even humour is what makes Mickelson’s songwriting so compelling.
Beyond the sharp lyricism and eclectic sound, the production of this album is stellar. Self-produced and largely self-performed, Mickelson delivers a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The layering of vocals, instrumental textures, and melodic precision all contribute to a sound that is both intimate and expansive, a testament to his evolution as an artist.
With If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud., Mickelson has crafted a record that is both a mirror and a megaphone, reflecting the chaos of the world while demanding to be heard. It is bold, it is beautiful, and above all, it is necessary. This is an album that doesn’t just deserve to be listened to; it demands it.
Find out more about Mickelson on his official website, Instagram and Spotify.
