Medley Of A Life is the latest release of the German band Mihrax. The album discussed here is actually an EP or maybe even a mini album because we get one track consisting of five parts, or movements if you like, with a playing time of just over 26 minutes. In 2019, the line-up of this band was drastically changed by adding Boris Elfert as their singer/guitarist. Since then the vocals form an increasing part of the overall sound. In March of this year the album Rox (see review) was released, but apparently they still had some inspiration left because now there already is a sequel through this EP (let's just keep it at that). Mihrax's style is a bit difficult to describe because there are quite a few different characteristics to be found but I'll just stick to rock with occasional prog influences with harder edges. The reactions to Rox were quite enthusiastic but I have to say that I had some trouble with the album because of the large number of different styles. In particular, the tracks referring to bands like Bon Jovi didn't really captivate me. There was good music and also reasonable singing, but I missed memorable hooks and melodies that stuck. But now there is a new chance to convince me of the qualities of this band. First of all, the line-up, which has remained the same, namely Boris Elfert on vocals/guitar, Thorsten Schlüter on guitar, Tobias Graef on keyboards, Thomas Graef on bass and Andreas Wittwer on drums and as a guest Jan Schöllhammer on saxophone plays in the third part Jigsaw Of Life. The concept is of course not entirely original, but if something is done well, that is of course no problem. Of course, we start with First Steps and the crying baby symbolizes the beginning of a life. Floating keys support this and eventually Elfert joins in with his vocals. What can I say about that, it is certainly not false but it is a voice that you have to like. His intonation is a bit atypical to say the least and he doesn't have much warmth in his voice. His English is fine but he doesn't really touch me. After more than three minutes it turns into the second, and longest, part Die Another Day and here the band goes full steam ahead and that results in a kind of AOR meets Hard Rock meets Prog. Yet here too the melody does not really stick while the playing is not bad. However, the vocal lines are not sparkling, even a bit boring and without palpable emotion. The solos are quite nice and provide some variety, but my air guitar doesn't come into action. Maybe the already mentioned third part Jigsaw Of Life sets everything right? Unfortunately not, in fact, the jazzy saxophone takes away all the charm of this song for me. I still like the keyboard solo that comes by after two minutes, but the melodies in this track don't appeal to me either. The guitar solo, which is played quite cleverly, is also just not it. Closed Circle continues in the same vein and therefore fits seamlessly into the concept. I have wondered several times if I am missing something that others might hear because I have a hard time getting through it. Also in terms of energy the bar is not set very high, there is little dynamics and the closing Peace stands out because of the somewhat wobbly voice of Elfert. The keys sound nice and we end with a flatline as a sign of a completed life. There are certainly good intentions and technically it is also okay but it just doesn't grab me. In my opinion, the level of the album Rox is not quite reached, but fans of that album may appreciate Medley Of A Life a bit more. ***- Erik Fraanje (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
