The Thinking Men 's Mirror Test EP Review

 When I was first asked if I would write a review of the Thinking Men's new "Mirror Test" 5 track EP I happily agreed. I love hearing new stuff so any chance to listen and digest new material by bands I've never heard is always welcome. However, when I read online that they were a three piece rock n blues band from East Anglia I must admit I had my concerns.

Truth be told I have had my fill of turgid pub rock n blues band plying the same old, same old tired songs. It's my idea of musical hell, that and the thought of Steps reforming.

So boy was I surprised and delighted at the opening few bars of the first track I came across by The Thinking Men, "Whiskey and Milk." a free download (I am a cheapskate at heart). Bass and percussion kicks us off slowly, then at 13 seconds in a totally infectious slide guitar rift just kicks. If that's not enough there's a terrific motown-esque keyboard riff in the chorus. EP is worth the £3 just for these two riffs only.

This is a confident collection of songs, and a very accomplished recording. "False Alarms" has the beautiful atmospheric accordion, to compliment the deep dark vocal. "Sonnet" deceives you into thinking is it a slow melancholic downbeat love song to finish off EP before morphing into an upbeat rock track. "I Think, Therefore I Am" is a tour de force, ska infused and bands statement of intent and "Don't Do What I Do, Just Do What I Say" while my least favourite isn't just filler.

It is actually the law now that all bands must have facebook, twitter, myspace etc.. and The Thinking Men's social media doodlings cite their influences as Tom Waits, The Doors, Lou Reed, Dylan and Muddy Waters and as you might guess from the opening track "I Think Therefore I Am" lyrically focus on tales of philosophy, history and nature (much like Steps then).

Who do they sound like? Maybe a heavier Gomez, or the best of Iggy Pop played by Modest Mouse perhaps or imagine if you can the members of Steps on heart monitors played through bass guitar amps. Throbbing and melodic.

I didn't think I was going to like the band, but I do a lot. These guys (and gal) clearly are very good musicians and what I like about the songs and arrangements on this EP is the variety, coherence and the juxtaposition of complexity and simplicity in the same song.

Interestingly (well probably not) I was walking behind someone wearing a T-shirt with "Cogito Ergo Sum" printed on the back in Cambridge yesterday. I wonder if he was a follower of Descartes or The Thinking Men? It was Cambridge, so probably Descartes, but he would be so wrong.

Highly recommended.

Stand out tracks "Whiskey and Milk" and "Sonnet"