Albums by this artist

How I Long To Feel That Summer In My Heart (2001)

Gorky's Zygotic Mynci

How I Long To Feel That Summer In My Heart

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» A.K. GOLD | STAFF WRITER

Gorky's Zygotic Mynci How I Long To Feel That Summer In My Heart Mantra/Beggars Group, 2001 RiYL: Super Furry Animals, Mercury Rev, Beach Boys

The prolific and esoterically named quintet returns with their seventh record, this one sans their patented Welsh vocals (apparently Super Furry Animals have taken up that torch) and focusing on laid back, sunny pop songs worthy of some 1970s high school nostalgia-drenched, summer reflection flick. The cinematic elements emerge from the get-go on the opener "Where Does Yer Go Now?," which is filled with spiraling keyboard samples and eventually climaxes with a lush and melodramatic string line.

Maybe it is just me, but I am exhausted with listening to the plethora of indie rock bands that use lush orchestration (and orchestrated samples) and sunny 60's-inspired pop arrangements. Though Gorky's Zygotic Mynci does it well on How I Long to Feel That Summer in My Heart, I am just burnt out on the sounds altogether. As I listened, yet again, through the tracks on their latest album, I thought to myself "this is pleasant and all, but hasn't this been overdone yet?" At some point, such as the down-tempo, harmonies and strings formula "Let Those Blue Skies" the sound just becomes un-inspirational. But, un-inspirationality aside, Gorky's still exhibits glimmers of sonic uniqueness and loads of pop craftsmanship throughout the record.

A.K. GOLD | A.K. Gold lives in Washington, D.C., where she slaves away for a non-profit organization and constantly compares everything to New York City or Chicago. She's earned her "cred" as a college radio and pre-1960 country music DJ, committed indie label street teamer, sporadic zinemaker/contributor, retired mail-order filler and occasional freelance writer. From time to time, she publishes Anecdotal Evidence, a per zine that will some day be considered for the National Book Award, or possibly not. If you want to buy a copy, or desire to write to her for some other reason, email criticgirl@hotmail.com.