Hello Reader,
Welcome back. How’s your day going?
Today we’re going to delve into The Mascot Theory. The Wisconsin-based band consists of Erik Kjelland (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica), Cory Swadley (lead guitar, vocals), Nick Fry (bass guitar, vocals), Brandon Jensen (keys), and Paul Metz (drums, percussion, vocals). The Mascot Theory has been winning over critics’ hearts and building a fan base locally in the Madison area and also within the entire state over the past decade. They’ve won more than 20 MAMA (Madison Area Music Association) awards including back-to-back 2016 and 2017 Artist of the Year awards, and WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) win for Best Male Vocalist (Erik Kjelland) and a nomination for Best Americana/folk artist. In addition, the band has shared the stage with American Aquarium, Chase Rice, Don McLean, Frank Turner, Guster, and The Jayhawks among many others. And played at some of Wisconsin’s best festivals including but not limited to Summerfest (in Milwaukee), Freak Fest (in Madison), and Mile of Music Festival (in Appleton). I’d recommend that music fans explore all three of those festivals, at least once.
The band has put out the following studio albums and EPs, Under the Borrowed Moon (2012), Hand Me Down Miracles (2013), Esperanto EP (2015), Trust And Bones (2016), Dawn and What Comes Next (2018), and Big Blue EP (2023).
We previously premiered the song “Andromeda” and featured an artist essay in February. If you didn’t see that essay before, you check that out here. That song had us eager to cover the album in its entirety.
Giving credit where its due, Every Sign of Life album credits:
- Erik Kjelland sang lead vocals, played rhythm guitar, and harmonica.
- Cory Swadley played lead guitar and sang vocals.
- Nick Fry played bass guitar and sang vocals.
- Paul Metz played drums, percussion, and sang vocals.
- Terry Manning played keys, organ, contributed to the group clap.
- Brandon Jensen played keys on “Andromeda (Stripped)” (a VINYL EXCLUSIVE song)
- Arthur Ranney contributed to the group clap.
- Produced & recorded by Terry Manning at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, TX.
- Assistant engineer Mauro Castro & studio assistant Moti Balboa.
- Mixed & Mastered by Terry Manning at Compass Point Studios, El Paso, TX.
- All songs written by Erik Kjelland, 2022-2024 Velvet Mystery Publishing ASCAP, Package design & cover photo by Erik Kjelland, other photos by Arthur Ranney.
And now for some hype for your ears!
Revisiting “Andromeda”:
(All credits and rights to The Mascot Theory)
The competitive and entertaining video for “Stone Cold”:
(All credits and rights to The Mascot Theory)
Overall, in Every Sign of Life the quoted info from the band earlier, rings true. It’s definitely a rocker of an album, complete with guitar solos and grooves while also retaining the sounds the band is previously known for. The band is talented, the musicianship is tight and work so well together. It is not a concept album but one song to the next flows well together both sonically and thematically in terms of mood and/or lyrics. The bands’ lead guitarist Swadley was given ample room to shine with solos on several songs. The lyrics shine as do the vocals and backing vocals. There’s a good use of refrains and choruses to reiterate the titles of songs while you listen, making it nearly impossible for the listener to not recall the song name. Kudos on that. I’d expect a lot of these songs to become staples in The Mascot Theory’s set and adored by the listeners. The production quality is top notch and that comes across to the listener.
“Piece by Piece by Peace” opens the Every Sign of Life album with a driving melody of guitars and drums in true rock music fashion. The melody drives and charges forward which compliments the lyrics about readjusting and progressing towards common goals in the future.
The intro to “Andromeda” has a nice outer space-y build up. The melody begins with twang soon followed by guitars and drums. Backing vocals from Fry, Metz, and Swadley are a welcomed addition that pair well with Kjelland’s lead vocals. The lyrics are optimistic of reconnecting despite vast distance apart.
The next song, “Lavender Blues” slows the beat down further. A steady drumbeat, a short bass guitar groove and Kjelland’s vocals kick off the blues inspired song. The melody is blues at its core but injected with rock music instrumentation on top. The lyrics, refrains and choruses establish and reinforce the blues sentiment which is wonderfully executed.
The melody to “The Wrong Side” is anchored by rollicking guitars and drums. The lyrics are a realization of past mistakes, contentment with the present and a glance towards the future.
By contrast the song, “Shy Ones” begins on upbeat notes and faster pacing. Swadley gets a few chances to show off his guitar skills with some memorable solos. The lyrics are a reverent homage to shy humans.
The song, “End of the Line” showcases lively drums, percussion and guitars. The lyrics are present but also look forward with hope.
In “Sliver of a Maybe” the melody is blues based. It’s a beautifully vivacious melody that features harmonica and more fantastic guitar solos. To me, they are Swadley’s best solos on the album to this point. The lyrics are eager, awaiting a sliver from someone else.
“I Need You” opens with a pedal steel sound full of twang. But it’s a normal guitar, impressively done. The melody is slowed down a touch to allow Kjelland’s passionately delivered vocals to shine. The lyrics are vulnerable and longing from a distance.
In “Fast Car Getaway” the lyrics explore the experience of performing musicians, being grateful and in the moment. Some bands end abruptly while others get a chance to properly say goodbye. The melody starts off with a consistently strong drumbeat before guitars are added to complete it.
“Goodbye I Wish You Well” opens with guitar strumming. To me, this melody is reminiscent of some 90s melodies in the best ways. And there’s some twang infused that takes the song to new levels. The lyrics offer parting thoughts to a former relationship.
The song, “Coming Home” tells of returning to a familiar place. Once again, the melody is anchored by guitars and drums. A little more than halfway through the song, lead guitarist Swadley shreds a lovely solo.
The next song, “Stone Cold” has lyrics that offer advice on how to garner attention and have your memory live on. The melody has a prominent drumbeat and features multiple killer guitar solos by Swadley.
“Blowing Smoke Signals” offers some seriously funky guitar licks. And a nice inflection of Keys that add to the melody. Love the backing vocals to complement Kjelland’s. Lyrically this song is very emotive from frustrated to content, but always reflective as it covers various points of time not limited to the past, or present.
In “When I Drift Away (2022)” the backing vocals from the rest of the band and spirited melody shine. The drums and guitar propel the beat of the song. The lyrics are about remaining grounded.
The album closer, “Best Is Yet To Come (2022)” features the most passionate vocals delivered by Kjelland on the album. There are great backing vocals by the rest of the band. The melody fires on all cylinders, it is a true rocker. One that is sure to become a staple in the band’s shows and a crowd favorite. The lyrics are optimistic. I’m glad this song made the cut and I hope the band releases even more songs that sound this passionate in the future.
Every Sign of Life gets 4 out of 5 Scum Drops from me. It’s a very good album. Relative to all 2024 releases its solidly in the 4 Scum Drop range to me. Somewhere in the 72nd-83rd percentile of all new music, near the top of that range at present date. For those new to our rating system please visit right here. The album has gorgeous guitars, memorable guitar solos, solid lyrics and vocals and other musical instrumentation. I liked the album more each time I listened. Is it The Mascot Theory’s best work yet? I’ll let you be the judge of that yourself. I think it’s worth adding to your collection on the format(s) of your choice. Get that additional vinyl track!
Every Sign of Life Track listing [song length]
- Piece by Piece by Peace [3:45]
- Andromeda [5:42]
- Lavender Blues [4:25]
- The Wrong Side [3:24]
- Shy Ones [3:20]
- End of the Line [3:19]
- Sliver of a Maybe [3:53]
- I Need You [3:20]
- Fast Car Getaway [3:26]
- Goodbye I Wish You Well [3:56]
- Coming Home [4:36]
- Stone Cold [4:06]
- Blowing Smoke Signals [5:21]
- When I Drift Away (2022) [3:50]
- Best Is Yet To Come (2022) [3:56]
Total runtime: 60:19
I’ll always advocate that you take the time to listen to every album in its entirety. This process is usually an hour for this album. Along the way, you’ll discover your own favorite songs without the influence or bias of others. After a few listens on my own, the songs that are highlighted in green font above are my favorite songs on this album.
The Mascot Theory’s excellent website with all socials, music, merch and where to see them perform is linked here!
Album release shows announcement: If you’re in Madison or Appleton, WI be sure to attend their shows on Friday May 3rd at the lovely High Noon Saloon and/or Saturday May 4th at Gibson Music Hall in Appleton, WI. The wonderful Miles Nielsen and Rusted Hearts will be joining The Mascot Theory on the bill.
Thank you for reading and supporting good music.
Until next time,
Alex
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
