Real Estate is an undeniably popular indie rock fixture, and the reasons why are obvious. The group’s signature laid back guitar riffs and mellow songwriting make them a quick fix for those looking for a middle ground between indie garage rock and just plain indie. The group has maintained an ability to create catchy but relaxing tunes for the length of three albums now, and “In Mind” makes album number four.
Despite staying very consistent and in line with their previous albums, Real Estate has managed to prevent their music to become formulaic by introducing subtle changes with each album. “In Mind” takes a more somber, dreary approach than previous albums, with sweeping steel guitar sections and a healthy dose of intoxicating echo. The songs aren’t going to lull the average listener to sleep, but the themes of rest and tiredness are there, right down to the lyrics and song titles. Tracks like “After the Moon” and “Saturday” both elicit a warm, tired feeling to them. Much less like a late night crash, and more similar to a sunny mid afternoon nap, “In Mind” is most adequately described as the very sound of pleasance itself.
Real Estate’s influences on this album are also of particular interest. For example, the song “White Light” calls to the mind comparisons to classic Americana band America, with gentle acoustic strumming, calming harmonies and gentle electric guitar accentuation. Another track, “Two Arrows,” invokes a twinge of psych-rock, with sweep effects layered over the vocals and droning guitars that carry the melody.
“In Mind” is also very evenly paced, with all tracks transitioning well into one another without bleeding together. The album as a whole is of a moderate, light tempo that begs the listener to sit back and relax, maybe grab a cold drink and just bask in the glory of the sun. It is the perfect summer album to just enjoy on its own.
That said, no album is perfect, and “In Mind” has its flaws here and there. For instance, the band’s experiments with electronic ambience in the background of songs like “Time” come off as somewhat out of place. While they certainly don’t ruin any song and in some cases do make the tracks more interesting, one can’t help but feel as though these effects change the tone of the songs and album to be slightly out of place.
Another issue is that “In Mind” lacks a certain energy to it. Do not misunderstand: “Energy” does not mean pace or speed. What it refers to is the fact that several tracks feel as if they’re missing the enthusiasm of the band. Not that they’re completely flat or lifeless, but there’s just that little spark missing that keeps them from being completely engaging.
It is also worth mentioning that, while not being derivative per se, “In Mind” isn’t completely revolutionary or jaw-droppingly different. This album does feel more unique within its genre than, for instance, the band’s previous album, “Atlas,” but it won’t blow the average listener’s mind. Instead, it serves better as another album to add to one’s collection, to be enjoyed in its own right, but not necessarily revered.
In all, “In Mind” is another great addition to the works of Real Estate, and will mostly likely be enjoyed by fans of the band and genre. It’s worth checking out, and it should be of particular interest to fans of mellower indie rock that still has a bit of a kick in its step.
