The New Music

Mystery Jets Serotonin [Rough Trade]

Need to know: Mystery Jets are from a magical sounding place called Eel Pie Island just outside of London, England (yes, it actually exists). The band was founded in 2004 by Henry and Blaine Harrison, one of the only decent father-son teams I can think of in pop music history. While they developed a reputation for their distinctly British yet leftfield pop sound, the band became known for throwing parties known as The White Cross Revival that featured an assortment of friends’ bands. They released their debut album, Making Dens, in 2006 via 679 Recordings and rearranged/repackaged it as Zootime for a North American release by Dim Mak in 2007. Henry left the band as a touring member but stayed on to help in the studio. In 2008 they released a second, rather brilliant album called Twenty One, which featured a hit in “Two Doors Down.” For album number three, Serotonin, Mystery Jets jumped labels to Rough Trade.

In a few words: Anyone hoping for a return to the whimsical spirit of their debut will be disappointed as Mystery Jets have capitalized on the sophisticated, ‘80s leaning pop of Twenty One. To these ears that’s a good thing, as Serotonin is an even sharper sounding record that takes full advantage of having a professional like the legendary Chris Thomas (The Beatles, The Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd) helming the boards. He applies his experience on “It’s Too Late To Talk,” which sounds like a lost ballad from 28 years ago, with vintage keyboards accentuating the soft acoustic guitar/piano melodies in the bridge. “The Girl Is Gone” works more of that same sadness with glowing results. The title track, with its new wave synths and rock guitars, as well as the “Dreaming of Another World” work the retro zest best out of anything on the record. But the high doesn’t always last. Hearing synthesizers run the scales begins to grow old, specifically on “Show Me The Light,” whose club aspirations feel too indulgent to love. While Mystery Jets have mastered the ability to write music that is uplifting, melancholy and exciting, Serotonin doesn’t have a song as exhilarating as “Two Doors Down” nor live up to the yardstick they set two years ago with Twenty One.

Best track: “Dreaming of Another World”

R.I.Y.L. XTC, Blur, The Drums, Jamie T, Lightspeed Champion, Jack Peñate, Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Rating: 7/10

Buy, download, steal or don’t bother: Download – legally.

Sample: “Dreaming of Another World”

Website: MysteryJets.com