In a rapidly changing musical environment, the resilience and adaptability of some artists is really starting to shine through. Melbourne electro-pop duo Mink Engine is one such act, choosing to create new trends rather than follow old and outdated rules. From their inception it has always been about “music and video that’s made for each other”, which they produce in their signature hyper maximal style.
Fully embracing the multi-media age we are now living in, comes the first two singles ‘Superpad’ & ‘Dick Chicken’ from Mink Engines new album ‘Acres Of Diamonds’.
That’s right, two singles – the band have decided to package their first instalment as a double A-side (think The Beatles release of ‘Yellow Submarine’/ ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and Queen's 'We Will Rock You’/ ‘We Are the Champions’) with ‘Superpad’ and ‘Dick Chicken’.
‘Superpad’ showcases Askii’s love of synths. The track seems about to burst with crunchy leads and synthetic strings, and lets the music set the agenda rather than the vocals taking the limelight. Mink Engine combine a sizzling array of beats and riffs to make a super-saturated monster that has proven itself to be a dancefloor favourite from Melbourne to Shanghai to Tokyo, from London to Berlin and beyond.
And ladled in giant spoonfuls from their continually simmering hotpot of audio-vision comes the video clip to ‘Superpad’. Band members Touch Me Tiger and Askii (starring as leaders of competing dance gangs, recruiting and training their dance elite) challenge each other to a battle-style dance off. As you can imagine, total chaos ensues with the help of a very talented choreographer and teams of dancers in outfits that make Lady Ga Ga look conservative. The clip is a colourful and psychedelic portrayal of the parallel universe that Mink Engine inhabits.
And on the flipside, ‘Dick Chicken’ is an MA rated deep-fried morality tale. An overlooked and well-endowed Superstar Drumstick named Dick Chicken - after having been thrown in the scrap heap – rises up from his rejection and achieves success, fame and fortune. Taking a dark and twisted turn on his way to the top you’ll have to watch the video to see how it turns out! Perfect for late viewing when the kiddies have gone to bed…
