This review covers the instrumental track The Mermen – Miki’s Lush Beehive.
This track was released in 2000 on the album The Amazing California Health And Happiness Road Show. A variation of this track appeared in the N64 game Road Rash 64.
We previously reviewed the track Sponge Cookie from the same album. That track scored very well here. So, we thought we’d try this track to see if it’s just as good.
The track starts with multiple guitars. The drum kit then enters with some snares. After a bit, the high hats roll in. After that, the shorter guitar notes enter as a sort of main chorus. The drum kit evolves slightly in overall sound. Some keys enter as the “main chorus” repeats. Those keys drop out after a bit for a period of time before returning.
From there, the shorter notes drop out and a quasi-guitar solo makes an appearance. A second guitar solo then enters the track with the texture of the drum kit changing slightly.
After that, the “main chorus” returns with the shorter notes for another round. The keys also makes periodic appearances again. A brief snare roll hits the track as the track enters a third guitar solo. After that, the guitars hit some higher notes.
A subtle phaser effect makes an appearance before the guitars lead the track out.
One of the things I like about this track is that it is proof that you don’t necessarily need a vocalist to offer good music. In this case, there is some subtle effects and keys, but a vast majority of what you hear is just guitars and a drum kit. With that alone, it is more than possible to follow a familiar structure of rock music with one classic element missing.
Moreover, this track doesn’t rely on, “Hey, this is strictly instrumental which automatically means it’s good.” Instead, the guitar work is actually quite nice to listen to. The shorter notes portion and longer notes portion give this track a very nice amount of variation.
On top of that, there are subtle changes in the drum kit throughout the track where different parts are emphasized. I think it nicely accentuates variety while, at the same time, gives this track structure. So, another positive there.
The only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of is the lengthy guitar solo’s. One or two works for this track, but I thought three was overkill. This is especially so considering how long the solo’s wound up being in the first place. Because of that, the track winds up sounding drawn out.
Still, in spite of it being drawn out a bit, this track is a joy to listen to. It’s got good variety and the guitars sound great. I like the variations the drum kit offers as well as the subtle extra’s thrown in here and there. So, overall, a recommended track.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
