Mynd Reader – “Radio Warning” [Song Review]

Alt-rock outfit Mynd Reader, led by Matt Schultz and Brian Sachs, unveils their debut single, “Radio Warning.” This is the title track from their forthcoming debut LP, slated to drop summer of 2025.

The song was inspired by Sachs’ yearly backpacking expedition in Alaska. It recalls a time when blind faith in community, from broadcasted messages and PSAs about weather conditions, was essential for treks into the wilderness. Cell phones did not have internet access, so the community relied on each other.

Sachs explains, “The concept of it is, is there ain’t no joy in living a lifetime alone – like what is collaboration? What is love? What is community? What, what does that mean? And whatever it takes, I’m willing to go.”

In the 1990s, Sach was the drummer for The Authority and played at venues such as Nightingales and was in the house band at Wetlands. He has shared the stage with acts like Phish, Blues Traveler, and Dave Matthews, and performed over 200 tour dates every year during the band’s seven-year stretch. When The Authority’s celebrated manager, Bill Graham, passed away, the band split.

Sachs never stopped playing and continued drumming and writing songs. He recruited long-time friend and musician, Matt Schultz, whose melodic talent, gift for blending genres, and production flair sculpted Mynd Reader’s innovative sound.

Mynd Reader, photo courtesy of Mynd Reader

For the upcoming album, Schultz and Sachs enlisted renowned producer Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer, Rolling Stones), of BrauerSound, as producer, mixing, and mastering engineer.

“Radio Warning” conjures up suggestions of Kings of Leon, Alice In Chains, and The Black Crowes, rolling out on low-slung dark, rumbling textures topped by raw, rasping vocals. As the harmonics elevate, they take on heavy waves of stark energy, highlighted by evocative vocal harmonies. A dirty, razor-wire guitar solo infuses the tune with crucial surface colours.

A smouldering, roiling track, “Radio Warning” seethes with thick, shaping guitars, replete with luscious gospel-blues vocals.

Run Time: 3:36
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Record Label: Merchant Records LLC