THE MYSTERINES

Afraid Of Tomorrows (Fiction)

Afraid Of Tomorrows, the second album from Merseyside four-piece The Mysterines, defies categorisation. Each of its 12 grunge-inspired tracks has something individual to offer, and just as you think you’ve figured out where a song is heading it takes a detour.

Opening song The Last Dance captivates from the first twangy chords, and the acoustic Hawkmoon is imperfectly beautiful. Lia Metcalfe’s low-toned vocal is accompanied by good measure of heavy bass and distorted lead guitar on Stray, the album’s single.

Where The Mysterines’ last album Reeling had big riffs, Afraid Of Tomorrows has barbs and sharp edges. There’s darkness here to do with trauma, turmoil, and time (“The clock is only ticking if you’re listening”) – and lyrics are intended to create a connection between band and audience. The closing title track is a strummy, sing-around-the-campfire song – then it’s back to the beginning because there’s too much to take in in one sitting.

words LYNDA NASH