Review: "Lights Out" - MiXE1

Review by Stephanie Coffey

Fans of electronic rock, take note of MiXE1. While this band first started out as a solo project for songwriter Mike Evans, it soon evolved into a full out band that's been compared to the likes of Blue Stahli, Deftones and Linkin Park. Now with Evans on vocals and synth, Lee Towson on guitar, Lee O'Brien on drums, and Marcos Farias on live bass, these UK natives are ready to change the music scene. In July, they released their digital EP titled Lights Out.

Even though Lights Out is MiXE1's third EP, it's the first one from the band as a whole. Lights Out features songs that were written in between the first two EP's, but remastered with the band. After one listen to the six track EP, we were hooked. MiXE1 has an energy in their music that is incomparable to what you hear on the radio nowadays. This was obvious right off the bat with their first song, "Lights Out". This number perfectly mixes a synthesizer rhythm, with a rock beat that will stick with you long after you finish listening to it. With its fast beat, you can't help but jam out. 

Another track that stood out to us was "Part of Me". As opposed to the rest of the album, this number takes on more of a rock feel than an electronic one. Of course there's strong guitar riffs and drum beats throughout the track, but the real star here is the vocals. "Part of Me" showcases screaming, giving us a haunting, metal influenced sound. It's obvious that MiXE1 has been inspired by all kinds of music genres, leaving all the songs on Lights Out feeling new and fresh. 

MiXE1's debut album, Starlit Skin, is currently being mixed and expected to come out at the end of the year. For now though, you can buy Lights Out here. Don't forget to check out their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channel.