Persistent Mimes

"Yesterday Forever" album review
A potpourri of styles and decades developed decades ago, Persistent Mimes prove in “Yesterday Forever” that time increases the value of music. The backstory of their project deserves particular emphasis. In the pre-internet era of 1994, the demos of this sat recorded but undiscovered for decades. As a relatively common experience, the demo tapes were rediscovered in a box during COVID. This remains one of the few positive aspects of the lockdown – as people had their artistic side flourish thanks to the isolation. Even recording the album from 2021 to 2024, thus fully realizing that initial demo spark, is something I am happy to see appearing everywhere from that lonely period. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have seen this happen – a resurgence of creative spirit. This album's genres and reference points abound, adding to the fun.
Fidelity shifts allow for flexibility. With this, there’s a degree of Guided By Voices’ lo-fi enthusiasm, precisely their stellar early 90s output. This comparison makes sense, given the album’s vintage of the halcyon period of the sound. The 70s singer-songwriter ethos, like that of Jeff Buckley, also adorns much of the soothing sound. Even the lyricism has that golden era quality. On the psychedelic kick, the late 60s vibes mixed with unexpected genre flourishes touch upon the unorthodox musings of Van D**e Parks, mainly when the album gleefully adopts a tropical flavor. For all these reference points, Persistent Mimes does appear to be a band from another era, frozen in the amber of time.
Hallowed, heavenly vocals open the album with the organ vamps of “The Weight Of Life.” Hyperactive rhythms and electronic bubbles from “Here We Are, Here We Stand” feature a defiant stance. On “Here She Comes,” they allow a bluesy aspect to enter the equation, giving it this heartfelt spirit. Slowing things down considerably is the reflective “When Hope Flies (Away),” which has a compassionate message that reflects upon loss in this inner monologue. Excellent incorporation of horns and nimble acoustic guitar makes “When You Take A Fall” feel communal with its all-encompassing atmosphere. Guitars contort themselves within the swinging “I Guess It’s You.” “I’m The One (That Should’ve Been)” goes for honeyed vocals with a gracious tenor. Pastoral and languid pacing gives “Hard To Come By” a deep, thoughtful stance, letting the song’s evolution feel pulsing with life. Dream pop layers waft towards the sky with “Yesterday Forever.” “The Weight (Reprise)” ends things off, returning to the beginning and giving the album a spirit of eternity.
“Yesterday Forever” presents a retro style, as Persistent Mimes mess with listener expectations, resulting in a fantastic bloom of bright, brilliant colors.

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