Reviews
Little Flowers and No Gasoline Review May-13-1999
"The Mentals" This Month's Up and Comers!

Awhile back I came across am un-known band called The Mentals. The interesting part of it was, it was by pure chance and luck! I had been visiting some friends in the small costal town of Port O' Conner. From the house, we heard a band playing down the beach. We decided to go and check them out. Though we were not able to see the entire set, due to the fact that the Police decided to shut down the show, what I did see was impressive. After the finished packing up, I introduced myself to the lead man, told him who I was and that I was very impressed with their style. Later on that evening, after talking and partying with the band, I promised that I would do a write-up on their band. At the time I was running a little Indie-Zine called "Little Flowers and No Gasoline." I wanted to do a review of an album, if I liked what I heard on there recordings! I feel the need to apologize to the band for the wait on the review, but it was a 4-track demo and not a very well mastered one at that. Now, don't get me wrong - I like the band. I found out at a later time that the demo had been recorded in the living room of an old rental house that they lived in - in Austin TX. I also discovered that they had some very low-if assistance on recording - with everything from mike placement, to mixing and as well as mastering. After some time passed with no word from me, Steve Tobin, the lead man, contacted me and wondered what I had thought? - After explaining what had happened, Steve offered me another chance to check them out and to pick up a much better produced cassette.

The second show was at this interesting place called, "The Cabin." I will say that I don't think that this place ever rocked harder as it did when they played there! Through the flying beer cans, crazed people, and Texas Heat - emerged one hell of a live show. Their stage performance was enough to draw you in, but the MUSIC was good enough to stand-alone!

The last show that I caught them at was "Punk Fest 98'" in Victoria, TX. Though a different atmosphere from their other two shows, this one was the one that proved to me that this band has what it takes to make it! NON-STOP ROCK!!!!!

My suggestion to all is - CHECK THEM OUT! They have some of the best Live Energy and Stage-Presence that I have seen in a long time! Oh yeah, while you're at it, pick up one of their T-shirts (especially the one with Einstein's face).
I THINK YOU WILL LIKE THEM!

By: Colin Fry