Review
Demo Review.com Nov-18-2000

Hailing from the capital of the proud state of Texas, "The Mentals" deliver their listeners a raw, uncut listening experience. The band cites its influences as Social Distortion, Automatic 7, The Pixies, Lifter, Radish, and a healthy dose of Nirvana.

The three-man outfit has had its share of obstacles such as eviction, heartbreak, and a devastating wreck that left Guitarist/Vocalist Steve Tobin with a mangled left hand and arm. "Oh Well," the band's first full-length release, is hardcore from beginning to end with a raw "devil may care" attitude.

The Mentals objective was to provide an album with the same passion and power of a live perfomance. The press kit DemoReview.com received from The Mentals included an impressive display of reviews and bio info, as well as, a full length CD. Upon listening to the album it was very apparent that recording quality and studio work were not their top priority. The album is uncut to the point that it is distracting at times. I appreciate The Mentals love for a raw, lo-fi recording, but feel that it may turn some listeners off from their music. There is a fine line between the raw sound they desire and simply a sloppy recording.

Keeping in mind their intentions, The Mentals succeed in assembling an album of unvarnished grunge and the distortion fueled "Seattle Sound." Their sound has been described as one you will either love or hate, and if straight up distortion heavy rock 'n' roll is your taste then you are in for a treat.

by: H.C. Ransom Demoreview.com