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The Los Angeles group continues aimless drifting through the world of shoegaze.
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The Warlocks
The Mirror Explodes
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AMG Review of The Mirror Explodes
Jason Lymangrover
All Music GuideAs old members drop out and new members fill the vacant spots by Bobby Hecksher's side, the Warlocks' family tree grows larger with every album. Even after the departure of drummer Jason Anchondo -- the longest running member behind Hecksher and the only other musician credited on the last album, Heavy Deavy Skull Lover -- The Mirror Explodes sounds quite similar to its successor. You could even think of this album as a "Heavy Deavy, Pt. 2," which may seem strange since the Warlocks are now a completely reworked five-piece with three guitar players. The fact that newcomers Rees, McBride, Risher, and Mustachio haven't affected the direction just serves as proof that Hecksher is the true mastermind behind the group; a puppetmaster who directs the action in the same way that Billy Corgan commands all of the Smashing Pumpkins' material, or how Anton Newcombe directly controls the Brian Jonestown Massacre (a band that Hecksher was a part of, incidentally). Newcombe and Hecksher share a few common traits, actually. As well as a nearly uncountable list of past bandmates, they both have an affinity for Brit-pop and shoegaze, which Newcombe illustrated wonderfully on My Bloody Underground. Referencing My Bloody Valentine, the Velvet Underground, and (more so than ever) the Jesus and Mary Chain, The Mirror Explodes is a lot like My Bloody Underground, with vast layers of whirling, reverberated, whisper-soft vocals buried under trebly guitar buzz and monotonous grooves of bass and drums. Engineer Rod Cervera deserves credit for maintaining a consistent sound between the albums, but where Heavy Deavy Skull Lover had an uneven quality, and played like one long singular-sounding composition startled with big, stoner rock grooves, the songs here all sound very samey. Not to say it's an easy listen. It's a dark one, and many songs lose themselves in sleepy, drawn-out droning. However, extended jams should be nothing new to those well-versed in the Warlocks catalog, and the hot spots are excellent tracks that capitalize on Hecksher's newfound affinity for creamy wistfulness. "The Midnight Sun," "There Is a Formula to Your Despair," and "Static Eyes" all continue the feel of the last record's standout, "So Paranoid," and similarly, rekindle the warm, washy spirits of Ride's "Vapor Trail" and Galaxie 500's "Blue Thunder." No easy feat.
The Warlocks: The Mirror Explodes (Review)
Album Review: The Warlocks – The Mirror Explodes
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The Warlocks have had a myriad of line-up changes over the years. For ‘The Mirror Explodes’ the band were a five piece, consisting of Bobby Hecksher (vocals, guitars, keys), John Christian Rees (guitar), Ryan Mcbride (Guitar), Jana Suzanne Risher (Bass) and Bob Mustachio (Drums) – Hecksher being the only constant party in this transient group [...]
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MP3s: New Warlocks - Red Camera
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MP3: The Warlocks - "Red Camera" from The Mirror Explodes, out May 19 on Tee Pee Records. This is a slow-burning bum trip of a jam. I've always respected Bobby Hecksher, but I prefer the Warlocks when they're making feel-good...
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The Warlocks: The Mirror Explodes (Review)
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The Los Angeles group continues aimless drifting through the world of shoegaze.
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The Warlocks Tour UK In Support Of New Album
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The Warlocks have got a new record coming out in June and so they've officially booked in a UK tour for July to promote the release. The record goes by the name The Mirror Explodes and due to hit shelves on June 15th on TeePee Records.
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Album Review: The Warlocks – The Mirror Explodes
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The Warlocks have had a myriad of line-up changes over the years. For ‘The Mirror Explodes’ the band were a five piece, consisting of Bobby Hecksher (vocals, guitars, keys), John Christian Rees (guitar), Ryan Mcbride (Guitar), Jana Suzanne Risher (Bass) and Bob Mustachio (Drums) – Hecksher being the only constant party in this transient group [...]
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The Warlocks Leak “Red Camera”
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Earlier this week, The Warlocks [MySpace] leaked the track “Red Camera” on RCRD LBL off their forthcoming album The Mirror Explodes (out May 19th on Tee Pee Records). We’re big fans [Heavy Deavy Skull Lover Review] and are super stoked that we can share it with you guys. If the song is any [...]
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MP3s: New Warlocks - Red Camera
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MP3: The Warlocks - "Red Camera" from The Mirror Explodes, out May 19 on Tee Pee Records. This is a slow-burning bum trip of a jam. I've always respected Bobby Hecksher, but I prefer the Warlocks when they're making feel-good...
More >
 "The Mirror Explodes")
