Denver's own Mainland Break have kicked off 2025 with a captivating double A-side, offering up 'I Give In' and 'Endlessly'. This marks their first new material for the year, and it arrives with the polished touch of seasoned professionals. The tracks were shaped by the experienced hands of producer Mark Anderson (Sylvan Esso), mixed by Joey Oaxaca (White Reaper, twen), and flawlessly mastered by Nick Townsend (Cheap Trick, Weezer), ensuring a pristine yet powerful sound.
Having cultivated a strong bond with the Australian music scene during their 2024 'One Way Ticket To Midnight Tour', Mainland Break’s affinity for Oz is palpable in their latest work. Their time down under clearly left an impression, and they've openly embraced influences from a diverse range of local acts. This appreciation for Aussie sounds is woven into their distinctive brand of gritty, melancholic indie rock, which has drawn favourable comparisons to bands like Floodlights, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, and RVG.
The lead single, 'I Give In', is a bittersweet exploration of the constant tug-of-war between yielding and standing firm in life's daily battles. The track masterfully captures a floating, somewhat melancholic energy that perfectly mirrors the internal struggles it depicts. Mainland Break explain the sentiment behind the track, stating: “‘I Give In’ is about experiencing warring emotions and feeling unable to change the process or eventual outcome. It’s about taking the path of least resistance and losing an internal struggle. The wave crashes over you, but also propels you. You love, but you hold yourself back from loving. Tension builds, but tension fades. You’re emotionally nimble, but emotionally shackled. You feel mobile, but you are stuck.”
Complementing 'I Give In' is 'Endlessly', a track that delves into the profound concept of dying twice – once physically, and again when one's name is uttered for the very last time. This intriguing philosophical musing is tackled with a charmingly anxious contemplation, as the band expands on the idea: “This idea clumsily opens the door for a multitude of other deaths that I now feel the need to generate and contemplate. What about the last time someone looks at a photograph of me? Or the last time someone looks at a photograph I took? Or the last time a telemarketer updates their list upon realizing someone else now owns my old phone number?”
Together, 'I Give In' and 'Endlessly' showcase Mainland Break's continued evolution, cementing their place as an exciting voice in the indie rock landscape. These tracks are a testament to their thoughtful lyricism and expertly crafted sound, leaving listeners eager for what comes next.
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