Such is the case for MINK, the Australian/New York based group who has already performed with KISS and is currently touring with rock legend Perry Farrell and his latest outfit, Satellite Party. Add to this a debut album produced by veteran Sylvia Massy, and I think it’s safe to say MINK is off to a damn fine start.
While these are some pretty impressive accolades in print, it’s tough to determine talent until you witness it firsthand. On Sunday night in Norfolk, MINK gave me and my fellow Virginians a chance to do just that. As the house lights dimmed, the band quickly launched straight into their high energy “Madame Chung” and I felt my head begin bobbing instantly. MINK’s pop-infused punk rock sound is well suited to a midsize venue like the NorVa, and the band seemed completely at ease. MINK continued the intensity with their first single, the incredibly catchy “Talk To Me”, and I soon saw other audience members bouncing along to the beat as well.
At this point, I heard several people commenting on the percussionist. Personally, I can’t remember the last time I saw a female drummer, but I can say without a doubt I have never seen one as competent as Ms. Stella Mozgawa. With her ferocious rhythms, I believe she could give even the beefiest, burliest man on the kit a run for his money.
Lead singer Neal Carson comes across as a modern-day amalgam of classic rock frontmen – his strut reminiscent of Mick Jagger, his penchant for the mic cord akin to Roger Daltrey’s, and his tight pants evocative of Robert Plant. He definitely knows how to work the stage too, locking eyes with crowd members and occasionally grabbing their outreached hands. His vocals are an intriguing blend of fierceness and softness, simultaneously familiar and unique.
Bassist Grant Fitzpatrick and lead guitarist Nick Maybury provided some solid backing vocals throughout the first half of the set while the guitars remained relatively stripped down and unembellished. Then during “Pressure Pressure”, with the help of rhythm guitarist David Lowy, the three axe men totally stole the show. Nick seemed to realize, holding his guitar outward from his body as if he was channeling a higher power. The band rode this wave into the next number, “Jodi”, featuring a downright sexy bass and drum break (complete with red light effect.
The most passionate crowd response came with the surprisingly ballsy cover of Bowie’s “Suffragette City”, which really got the people singing and dancing along. Neal thanked us and the band closed out the set with “Pills” and “Get It Right”, two more fast-paced rockers from their recent eponymous release.
I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to MINK. If you’re in the mood for some pure, fun, party-time rock and roll that makes you feel young again, look no further.
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