by Steph Kolodka
Winnipeg-based band Mise en Scene, self-described as “indie garage rock,” released their first full-length studio album in six years on March 6, titled Drive-Thru Confessional. This is very exciting news for the group led by long-time friends Stefanie Blondal Johnson and Jodi Dunlop, whose first album came out in 2012 after the two met in fine arts school. Their latest was recorded in Gimli, Manitoba, and is one that I’ve been enjoying on repeat since its release.
The album opens strong with “I Confess,” which explores confessing feelings to someone through an interaction at a drive-thru, a scene the album cover helps convey. As the album progresses, it explores themes of growing up and coming of age, in a melodic and nostalgic fashion, backed by gentle and dreamy instrumentals. The second track, a heartfelt song called “It’s OK To Be You,” features acoustic guitar, giving the song a very raw and emotional feel, coupled with relatable lyrics. The album advances with a track titled “Hollywood Car Crash,” which quickly became my favourite. With a beautiful melody and accompanying vocals, soft percussion, and layered with a vibey riff that repeats through the duration of the track, this one was certainly added to my playlists.
Being near the end of the album that concludes in a solid piece called “Remember This Feeling,” it’s an emotional way to wrap up an already impressive LP written and performed by the duo. As their apt explanation states on YouTube, they’re “rock-rooted, reverb-drenched dream pop that perfectly meshes modern vibes with vintage charm,” and Drive-Thru Confessional encompasses that vibe to a T. I would recommend this album to anyone contemplating their journey in life while looking for a chill and pleasurable listening experience.
Though Mise en Scene has no plans of touring for this release, the band threw a release party on April 18 at Times Change(d), with backing by Ian Lodewyks and Clinton Giesbrecht.
