Album by The Mission

This was a band I’d never listened to before, so I went in not totally sure what to expect.

“Amelia” opens things in a pretty striking way — it starts off feeling like straightforward rock, but the subject matter is immediately uncomfortable. It’s a bold, heavy way to begin. As the album unfolds, it settles into something more atmospheric and brooding. I kept wondering if this falls under goth rock — I’m still not totally sure where that line is, but the tone definitely leans dark and theatrical.

The guitars are big and expansive, often stretching out into these echoing, layered textures. Wayne Hussey’s vocals match that scale — earnest, intense, and sometimes pushing into something almost operatic. It’s not exactly my usual lane, but when it clicks, it really clicks.

“Butterfly on a Wheel” was the clear standout. It feels sharper and more focused than a lot of the surrounding tracks, with a strong melodic pull that cuts through everything else. “Into The Blue” and “Deliverance” stood out too — both solid, with moments where the atmosphere and melody feel more balanced.

Overall, this didn’t fully land for me. The scale and drama can feel a little heavy, and at times it tips past where the melodies can carry it. That said, it feels more like a personal taste thing than a flaw with this album. The songcraft here is solid.

When the hooks and atmosphere line up, it’s really compelling even when I didn’t fully click with a song.

Still, it’s an interesting listen — moody, ambitious, and fully committed to its sound.

Verdict: Worth a Spin

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