The Mitchells Hear Where You Are

[Small Batch/Pigeon; 2003]

Styles: art-rock, (post) post-punk, poppy rock
Others: The Dismemberment Plan, Crash Test Dummies, Pavement


Now, now, I can see you crying. Have you no shame? Please dry your eyes. I know the announcement came suddenly; perhaps it was even a little premature. And it’s plain to see that the news has you in quite a tizzy. But really, there is simply no need to get your Converses’ all in a knot.

The news came in January, but all this stringing along has only made it worse on your already weak heart. At first, a farewell three live dates remained, then a rather robust number of ten stops were added, then the tour dates starting falling from the sky and the opportunities for a final goodbye were practically locked, even for those morose ones in Japan. But all that anti-climatic, post-breakup declaration, touring, promised re-mixed albums, possible solo albums, and indie news from Pitchfork and Tiny Mix Tapes has just made you all the more nostalgic for the good ol’ days when the future looked endless for your beloved D-Plan.

Now, I will tell why you needn’t fret... oh no-no, The Dismemberment Plan is still breaking up (or should I say they are STILL breaking up). The real motive for not losing your composure is this: another band is willing and ready to reign in the loose slack that The Plan is about to relinquish.
There are called The Mitchells and they come to us from the Affleckian Massachusetts in which they have been a band for quite a few years already, nine to be exact. In fact, The Mitchells released seven different albums in EP, LP, CD, cassette, and vinyl form during that time frame.

Please, don’t whimper like that, The Mitchells really DO sound a lot like The D-Plan, perhaps a little less spastic and a little more intent on the hooks while mixing post-Pavement indie-ness with a vocalist sounding a little more like Brad Roberts of Crash Test Dummies than Mr. Morrison, but still keeping David Thomas and some other important art-pop progenitors close by for reference.

You’re right, it "just isn’t the same." But if there’s one that knows the ice of Boston as well as The D-Plan, it’s The Mitchells.

1. Our TV Theme
2. Stakeout
3. Pet Theory
4. Old Cartoons
5. Home Build Kit
6. Flashlight Hunter
7. Cheap Date
8. USS Macon
9. Pre Fab
10. Vault Alarms