EP REVIEW: …before the internet – MNYS

“This is the first project that I’ve gone into with cohesive intention both sound-wise and thematically. Mostly chasing this feeling that I had “before the internet” as we currently know it – before we were all expected to be brands or media companies.” This is what his new EP means to MNYS, better known as Nick Cozine, a producer and songwriter. He’s written for people such as Iann Doir, and has spent over a decade in the music industry. His solo project MNYS covers the indie-pop realm, and his new EP …before the internet contains five songs.

The EP opens with Garden Statement, an acoustic indie-pop song that builds momentum until it reaches a mid-tempo sound. The guitar is a highlight on the song, as well as MNYS‘ vocals. His voice matches the gentleness of the song. It’s a good introduction to the EP, the only issue is that it is a very short song, and therefore ends a little abruptly. Thankfully, Backseat is longer and picks up the pacing. The upbeat acoustic song feels like it should’ve been the opening track. It is well-produced as the sounds are clear. Despite the first two songs having different tempos, the overall pacing of the EP is not affected.

You’d think that having thus far stuck to being a producer and songwriter would mean that MNYS would be less confident as a singer. You’d be wrong. His confidence shines through the EP. It’s obvious that his time in the industry is serving him well. Lead single Everything’s Fine shows this well, adding drums to the already established guitar. This provides the backbone for the song, and it fits in well. The pacing of the EP is not affected by the addition of drums here. If anything, it’s improved, and even though there are only five songs here, the overall pacing is not too fast.

Unfortunately, one slight issue is that this EP doesn’t quite meet the theme of pre-internet; the lyrics are more about relationships than anything else. This is a shame because it could’ve been a unique EP if it spoke about the days before everyone became a brand.

Grey borders on indie-rock as it breaks out of its comfort zone and adds a rockier guitar. It’s the last song on the EP, and ends the record on a high note. The only downside is that it borders on indie-rock, but it does not fully embrace it. That is a shame because the glimpses of it are interesting. It leaves hopes that if MNYS does another EP to his oeuvre, then he will embrace the indie-rock sound.

Overall, …before the internet shows a lot of promise. However, that is also its downfall. It doesn’t fully realise its potential. The first song ends way too quickly and therefore leaves a lot to be desired. Furthermore, when the EP does try to step out of its comfort zone, it is not a very big step. On the other hand, it is well-produced, and easy to listen to. MNYS clearly had a vision about what he wanted to make; whether that particular vision was accomplished or not is up for debate, but …before the internet is still a strong enough effort by an intriguing new artist.

Rating: 7/10

…before the internet is set for release on June 17th via Pure Noise Records.

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