The Mystery Lights unleash Purgatory! (Exclusive Interview/Review)
Armin Enayat- Feb 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Sounding like no other act from the past yet awakening memories of the old time, The Mystery Lights was a missing piece of the puzzle, now magically found in the history of Rock ‘n Roll. Re-emerging with their third album on Daptone/Wick Records, “Purgatory” reflects the fascination behind the shadowy aspects of existence. The record embodies their lyrical exploration of striving for righteousness within darkness, delving into the constant battle of redemption and temptation.
Reaching new sonic dimensions, Purgatory crafts a vibrant soundscape, marking the zenith of the band’s artistry and their most eclectic work to date. Effortlessly blending their super-groovy R&B with authentic psychedelia, punk, and art rock, sprinkled with tinges of country music, the New York-based band embraces an adventurous, boundary-pushing approach to songwriting, weaving experimental textures throughout their musical tapestry.
Drawing inspiration from legends like The Kinks, The Monks, 13th Floor Elevators, The Animals, and Captain Beefheart while remaining faithful to their essence, the album presents a rich mosaic of aural experience. The vocals, guitars, bass, drums, organ, and flute intertwine with exquisite harmony, contributing to the whole sound yet sometimes venturing off on their own path. The record also features a variety of vocal styles and shifting guitar rhythms, switching seamlessly from lighthearted songs to darker undertones and still maintaining its coherence, showcasing their artistic evolution.
Resurrecting the spirit of 60s vintage rock, The Mystery Lights juxtapose garage-psych with a perfect balance of rawness and modern flair. From the high-energy opener “Mighty Fine and All Mine” to the mellowed vibes of “Together Lost,” the album maintains a captivating retro aesthetic, punctuated by catchy riffs and kaleidoscopic ambiance. Darker tracks like “Cerebral Crack,” with its brooding mood and melodramatic edge, along with the intensity of “Can’t Sleep Through the Silence” and "Purgatory,” create a haunting contrast to the album’s more upbeat moments. Meanwhile, “Sorry I Forgot Your Name” and “Automatic Response” bring delightful forays into country and indie territory.
Unique and bizarre, Purgatory embodies the avant-garde rock 'n' roll the music world has been eagerly awaiting, offering listeners an intriguing and much-needed adventure. Its dynamic performance and consistent production, helmed by Wayne Gordon, ensure that Purgatory is both a homage and a refreshingly engaging listen. For fans of neo-psychedelia and classic rock, this album promises a compelling fusion of old-school charm and contemporary vigor.
Q: Your new album Purgatory dives into themes like darkness, temptation, and redemption. What inspired you to explore these ideas, and how do these themes reflect your personal or collective experiences as a band?
Mike Brandon (guitarist/lead singer): I’m a big lover of psychology, as well as religious/spiritual symbolism and mythology. I grew up studying most religions, reading all the eastern philosophy books, gnostic scriptures, the bible, tao the ching, stoic scriptures, Carl Jung, and the exploration of the shadow, all of which dive deep into themes of darkness, temptation, redemption, trying to be righteous in the midst of sin, or staying calm in the midst of chaos.
"Self-discovery, conquering inner demons, strengthening weaknesses, and overcoming obstacles obstructing us from truly connecting with ourselves and others."
These are my favorite subjects, so inevitably it’s going to seep into my subconscious mind and work its way into the songwriting and lyrics.
Q: Each song on "Purgatory" feels cohesive, thanks to the contributions from every band member. How does your musical chemistry fuel your collaboration, and how do you weave varied themes and genres into the album, like the upbeat “Mighty Fine and All Mine” versus the mellow “Together Lost”?
Mike: We’ve been playing together for a very long time, and we all have very similar tastes. Though we each have our own unique approach and style, we all share a very similar vision, which definitely comes out when recording or playing live. Honestly, it’s just how it all comes together! We definitely wanted to take people on a journey but weren’t entirely sure where it would go; it all just happened as it was supposed to and felt right when putting together the sequencing.
Q: As your musical journey has evolved, this album showcases your artistic maturity and creativity. How do you balance honoring your influences with crafting a distinct identity for The Mystery Lights in today’s music scene?
Mike: Everyone is influenced by something, and though they themselves are unique in their individualistic experiences and expressions, their influences open up the doors to guide them in finding their own unique sound and expression.
Q: There are so many great songs on the album; for instance, 'Memories' sounds unique and truly stands out! Is there a specific song that resonates with you or holds special meaning?
Mike: They each hold their own special meaning to each of us; it would be difficult to pick out just one, but glad you personally resonated with Memories!
Q: The production adds to the vibrant sound of Purgatory. Can you tell us about your collaboration with Daptone/Wick and how that shaped the album’s overall sound?
Mike: Daptone/Wick Records always puts out classic-sounding albums as they have a specific quality control on all they release, but the vibrant sound of Purgatory is definitely a major thanks to Wayne Gordon, our producer. We tracked the album at his new studio in Los Angeles. He had a major impact on the sound. Tracked live, using mostly analog gear and specific mic’ing techniques to properly capture the live sound. Wayne Gordon also did the last two albums, so it made sense to get the family back together for the third.
Q: With "Purgatory" gaining traction, do you have any big upcoming tours, festivals, or collaborations that you’re especially excited about?
Mike: A spring US & EU tour running from April 16 to May 29 (including Austin Psych Fest), along with summer festival appearances in Norway, Spain, Belgium, and Canada. Plus, we'll be joining King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard in Buena Vista, Colorado, for the Field of Visions festival. More exciting tour announcements to come!
Q: We can't wait to see! Any last words with your fans?
We love you all! Thanks for listening. <3
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