Los Angeles’ Mini Mansions are the type of gang whose charm lies in their individual idiosyncrasies. A trio of partners-in-crime, best friends and brothers in all but blood, Michael Shuman, Zach Dawes and Tyler Parkford’s unique personalities are reflected in their third forthcoming album Guy Walks Into A Bar…A record that examines the kind of hip-swaying rock’n’roll you’d find on a dive bar jukebox, it sounds happily disaffected by trend, time or place, like the titular joke itself.
The record became something else that you could give to anyone and ask: Did this happen to you?” Shuman says. “Most people have the same story I had. It’s nothing new. But it’s very special, and I hope everyone sees that we’re trying to be vulnerable on this record.” Co-writer Parkford’s additions helped to complete this story and fulfill the band’s efforts to make a record that any love-fool can identify with.
Parkford’s own personal narratives include the playful late night romp “Don’t Even Know You”, the bombastic dance anthem “Forgot Your Name” and their EP title track “Works Every Time.” “I see the future/but it never had a child or wife,” goes the lyrics on second track “Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)”. The album progresses from reckless antics to the serious trappings of starting to care for a person you’ve connected with, falling in love, then swiftly and dramatically falling out of it. There’s a push-pull between the nocturnal whimsy of being free wheelin’ dudes, and a fear of adulthood as the threesome become fully grown men.
Mini Mansions will play Whelans on Wednesday May 8th with Tickets from €18.45 incl booking fee on sale Thursday 21st February 9am from Ticketmaster
Photos by Isabel Thomas