This first album, "Trapped Again," from Portland rockers, Mental Hygiene, packs a punch. "Strangers" sets the tone as the first of eight original songs from this powerful all-female group. “We should play it cool/Play by the rules.” Actually, they don’t. And they shouldn’t.
The band’s sound has been compared to Debbie Harry, Concrete Blonde, Chrissie Hynde, even Joan Jett. But many of the album’s tracks channel 4 Non Blondes, Siouxsie Sioux (of the 80s Banchees, and other punk incarnations), as well as some heavy sounds from 70s and 80s favorites. Mental Hygiene isn’t merely pulse and power, but offers melodic dissonance, too, with staccato explosions that punctuate. What they have to say is bold, and their music is perfectly married to their message. They’re not hardened, angry types - they just mean what they say and state what they know.
The recording features Kristin Porter on vocals and rhythm guitar, Kay Betton on drums and Elisabeth Kierkegaarde on rhythym and lead guitar. Special guest artist Sammy Hudson, formerly of "Everclear," is featured on bass. "Trapped Again" was recorded at Jackpot! Studios in Portland, Oregon and was produced and engineered by Dean Baskerville, who has worked with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Pink Martini and Everclear. Mastering was done by Bob Stark of Big Trees Music at Kung Fu Bakery.
Part 70s glam rock, part 80s heavy metal, with a modern punk flair splashed about, especially through smart and sassy lyrics, Mental Hygiene delivers a powerful sound that you won’t want to ignore.
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