In the mid to late 90s Tooth & Nail Records became a beacon within the indie/alt/rock culture and provided the soundtrack for a generation. As things progressed for the label they gained more freedom to sign acts that had the potential to be the next “it” band. However, as the music industry shifted and somewhat imploded several bands (and the label) were left with the uncertainty of where they would go from that point forward. Over time Tooth & Nail has continued to cultivate a roster consisting of both legacy and up and coming artists.

Enter Mike Mains & The Branches. One of a handful of bands that seem to be ushering in a renaissance of sorts for Tooth & Nail (along with Off Road Minivan, Valleyheart and idle threat just to name a few). Mike Mains & The Branches already had an established fanbase prior to their signing to the label and their 2019 release When We Were In Love was a bright spot in the musical landscape of that year. It was a bit of a sleeper hit, but it managed to connect with the vast populi with minimal effort and had legs that carried it throughout the remainder of the year. Memory Unfixed is the highly anticipated follow up that is sure to please the masses just as much further expands upon the sensibilities built on its predecessor.

Memory Unfixed begins with “Lost Boys” and plays heavily on the lore and themes of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. Amidst the blatant pop overtones there is a sense of poignancy that resonates throughout the track. As an opening track it brilliantly sets the stage for what is to come as Mike ponders events and experiences as well as their ensuing effects on his identity, telling intimate stories through artful pop rock. “Losing My Head” follows and delves even further into the atmospheric aesthetic that births forth a continued sense of inward reflection. Mike’s approach to songwriting seems to have a unique sense of authenticity and vulnerability without being over biographical, thus allowing the listener to organically connect with the themes an elements present. “We’re Alive” gives glimpses of hope as the chorus resonates with the lyrics, “Caught up in these memories, maybe it was more than just a dream, we’re alive.”

“Lonely” makes a slight tonal shift while still sticking to the overall pop aesthetic present on the rest of the album. It fits well within the album as a whole, but is just slightly slower in nature. “Talk To Me” moves things back in to the more upbeat territory that seems to be where Mike Mains & The Branches really shine. The pop sensibilities are prominently in place, but mixed with Mike’s lyrical approach it is not just some sugary oversaturated pop album. It’s this very approach that makes the album and band stand out so prominently. “Better Than It Ever Was” rounds out the middle segment of the album and leans heavily into the aforementioned pop sensibilities.

“When The Lights Go Out” ushers in the final act of the album and carries a slightly different production technique that makes it stand out amongst the rest of the album. “If We Run” sounds like it was pulled straight out of the 80s, but it is this very aspect that make the track so much fun and injects a boost of energy after “When The Lights Go Out.” “Blue Lagoon” carries some solid ethereal tones and elements that give some atmosphere and depth to the already full sound of the track. The album closes with “Always My Forever” which serves as a solid endcap with less pop panache than the rest of the album.

Memory Unfixed is a solid pop rock album that expands upon Mike Mains & The Branches ability to utilize pop sensibilities and overlay them with an authentical and vulnerable lyrical approach. Mike’s approach that pulls from his own life experiences only adds more layers to this very aspect which makes Memory Unfixed a memorable album from start to finish.

Memory Unfixed is available now via Tooth & Nail Records and is available on all major streaming and digital platforms. If you would like to purchase physical copies that can be done via the band’s webstore.

You can catch Mike Mains & The Branches on tour with a string of dates in October. For more info click here.

You can connect with Mike Mains & The Branches on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).