Earlier in June when we reviewed My Pet Dragon’s (MPD), Lover in Hiding we were told a complete album was scheduled for release by the end of this year. With their new EP, Flow, out earlier last month, there are now, lesser songs to be cut for the entire disc. A situation we are particularly in favour of and keenly following.
Flow maintains the easy pace which was last heard on Lover in Hiding. Todd Michaelsen‘s vocal range blends in perfectly with the distinct instrumentation, combining a mid-tempo rhythm section and some crisp drumming. The energy literally flows as it thunders towards to the end, leaving the listener wonder if he was actually at a live pub-gig raucously singing along with the rest of the patrons. The song itself talks about a couple’s last chance at redeeming their star crossed love. Astrological signs apart the song stays in line with the theme of MPD’s previous compositions, Lover in Hiding and Between Us. As Frank Zappa‘s oft quoted line, “There are more love songs than anything else. If songs could make you do something we’d all love one another.” goes, the least we could do is wait for the next batch of songs and the full album.
As a bonus, MPD offers a cover of Pearl Jam‘s Release on the B-Side. Eddie Vedder‘s angst-filled ‘golden baritone’ is given a make over with Todd’s free-style vocal range making Release more approachable, though the lyrics remain as inimical. Flow also has been remixed by various artistes including a desi sounding version by one of MPD‘s early collaborators Karsh Kale. From closer home, Randolph Correia of Pentagram presents his cool spatial electronica twinged rendition. Bill Will and American experimental rock outfit Mercury Rev’s Carlos Anthony Molina‘s sorties at remixing Flow are equally worth a listen.
You can download Flow, its various versions and the cover of Release on the official MPD website.
I love My Pet Dragon. i just saw them at the Bowery Ballroom and they rocked it! i can hardly wait for their new stuff to come out.