R.E.M. in an alternative universe. Yep.

We haven’t had the chance to premiere a song quite like this one yet. Mythical Motors is a rock band that have spent most of their musical career based in Chattanooga, TN. Their vibe is down to earth, but their work ethic is not. Their forthcoming release, of which our featured track is a part, is titled The Life Stage and features a whopping 26 tracks.

Now, the band’s influences (Pavement, Guided By Voices, REM, to name a few) don’t all resonate with me. I might risk losing some indie cred if I admitted Pavement isn’t a band I actively listen to (whoops). Yet, REM from that list (which goes well beyond the three that I listed) has a special place in my heart, because their Out of Time record is the first album I ever remember being aware of. My dad used to play it in the car when I was in Kindergarten. Or maybe it was first grade?

In any case, there’s a certain sense of nostalgia that will never be surpassed that only very certain arrangements in alternative can tap into. Mythical Motors succeeds in doing this, but also meshing in some of that rough around the edges DIY vibe that has only entered my musical vernacular in recent years. So, this track has a bit of an interesting juxtaposition of sounds, in the context of my listening history.

I hope you’ll take a listen to the track below and let us know what you think. And give the band a like on Facebook while you’re at it.