– (http://www.myspace.com/leonardmynx) Leonard Mynx – Pumpkin
Self-released
Thoughtful, mature Americana/folk with indie leanings.
It is an absolute travesty that Leonard Mynx’s Pumpkin was self-released, because that means the amount of people who will hear this album will not be as many as it would be on a label.
Channeling troubadours like Tom Waits and the late Jeff Buckley, Mynx dives into the spirit of American music with fortitude. From the slight country twang of “Doomsday Clock” to the early American rock’n’roll feel of “Ain’t A Woman Alive” to the eclectic blues of “Bones” and the folk balladry of “Pony,” Mynx manages to keep the nine songs of Pumpkin as one cohesive whole and not a compilation of American song styles.
Mynx is complemented by an excellent band, especially by electric guitarist Nate Clark (Mynx throws in his own electric tracks as well). Clark’s simplistic style is very reminiscent of Jeff Buckley or Pete Yorn, going for quality over quantity. There is also some wonderful usage of slide guitar in several of the songs that creates a very western feel in them. Mynx’s vocals also lend much to the music. He has a soft, emotional quality that gives the album a cohesive tone. It must also be noted that, from this album, it is impossible to tell that Mynx and his band actually recorded this album as a live set. The music is that spot on.
Mynx does have a slight tendency to ramble musically. The shortest song on the album clocks in at 4 minutes and 15 seconds, and most others fall near the 4 minute 20 second mark. However, the folk ballad “Pony” clocks in at over eight minutes. While the song is excellent in its own right, it can be exhausting to listen to and very tempting to skip if you’re not in the right mood for it.
Basically, if you can get a hold of Leonard Mynx’s Pumpkin, do so immediately. This is an immense talent who deserves far more recognition.
Nate Williams