Mint State

Mint State has a pretty high opinion of themselves, their Bandcamp bio stating “Now we’re here to take over the world”. The confidence is well founded, especially with the new EP, End of An Error. It’s a gritty, abrasive take on the genre, the four songs packing a pretty strong right hook.

The party starts with “Melt Into the Ground”, setting the tone for the rest of the EP and casting a pretty big shadow over the other songs. Things get serious with “Annie, Keep Running”, and “Attention”, which keeps yours riveted, and by the time the music fade out, you’ll feel changed. “Far Away” is catchy despite its subject matter of feeling hopeless to help either yourself or someone else who’s struggling. The Bandcamp download comes with a “power pop rendition” of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie, which is far different from the original. Gone are the acoustic guitars and soft voices. In their place are a full band riot, guitars and drums tripping over each other while the vocals fight to be heard over the din.

The album has promise, just like Mint State themselves. I don’t know what the error was that we’re at the end of, but it definitely wasn’t Mint State’s music. Pick up End of An Error on Bandcamp and like the band on Facebook!

– Amber Bettis - Unsigned & Unleashed – Amber Bettis

Mint State’s new EP, Hood Sessions is a thoughtful observation of the different relationships we are capable of having with music and with each other. Through their cohesive sound, undeniable rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, Mint State has created an EP that refuses to passively heard, but must be listened to with all of the attention it deserves.
The first track, “Far Away” pulls in the listener with a straightforward chord progression and drum beat. Throughout the track the guitar and drums subtly become more complex. The bass in this track adds a wonderful feeling of depth and complexity without drawing away from the rhythm and nuance of the guitar and drums. The lyric “She starts to speak no sound at all,” really captures the idea of the futility in trying to maintain a relationship that is already breaking apart.
“Attention” explores a grave subject matter paired with an infectious rhythm. The beat propels the track forward through the sense of the endless repetition of that is so pervasive in warfare. The difference between the verse and chorus is particular pointent. The verses trudge along steadily while the chorus comes together in way that feels a bit chaotic compared to the rest of the track. It mirrors the way, in war, how there is seemingly endless marching interspersed with the chaos of battle.
In “Radio” the walking bass line is simply excellent. This track has a “feel good” vibe that instantly draws the listener into its feeling and message. This song makes you feel the music, in the way the lyrics describe the how music can draw you in. This track really gets the best of you.
“Stay Lit” narrowly takes its place as my favorite track of this EP. With light drums and instrumentation this track seems to float just within reach. The vocal harmonies add a wonderful level of depth to the song, a thoughtful choice considering the song is about a musician’s relationship with creativity. It has an overall positive feel, though there is a certain feeling of longing that pervades the sound of this track.
Overall, this is EP is a wonderful experience that deserves a thoughtful and undistracted listen. The lyrics are wonderful to sing along with, the bass is delightfully nuanced without drawing attention away from the sound of the guitar pulled together with a great rhythm and beat. The end result is a seamless sound and feeling that forces its audience to pay attention and consider the world around them. - Meredith Nussbaum

"...for those of you made nervous by urban music, is a rock band out of Long Island. Mint State is straight up guitars and drums and some guy singing something about some chick. It’s rock and roll, man. Trust me, you’ll like it." - "Fudgetosser" from Meodia.com

Now and again, we like to go for a magical mystery surf across social media in order to discover the finest music, and recently we came across an act that fits such a disposition – Long Island indie pop band Mint State, who caught our attention with their End Of An Error EP.

Melt Into The Ground is an energetic, bouncy opener built on the foundations of great guitar work. They then slow it down for the polished, emotion-fueled Annie, Keep Running which is notable for its memorable writing; a trend that continues into the smooth Attention.

The sublime Far Away is highlighted by a triumphant chorus, and in no time at all, they cap off in exciting fashion with a cover of Death Cab For Cutie’s Follow You Into The Dark. - TheLocalMusicSceneBlog.com