As the end of 2020 appears on the horizon, we’re looking through a kaleidoscope of entertainment options to get us through the year. As it stands, due to the global pandemic, stages from coast-to-coast and around the world remain empty. For the immediate future, live-stream performances and new music are stepping in big time.
On the new music front, “Mental Implants,” is the third album by Mike the Spike and his band Human Haggis. The album is a raucous explosion of other level energy of music with topical and relevant songs.
The album effortlessly and expertly covers musical genres classic and alternative rock, metal, punk, a bit of new wave, ska and reggae.
Mike, who also plays with Oingo Boingo Former Members, is the lead guitarist and is an incredibly talented player. His voice is consistently passionate, confident and authoritative, with an in-your-face approach that works within all the musical styles.
The band is simply electric, it features seasoned musicians Bill Lanham (Joe Walsh and The Bellrays), on bass, lead and backing vocals, and Tom Dante (Guitar Shorty and David Pack) on drums.
WORDS OF WISDOM
“With everything going on in the world, we really concentrated on this album. There was no outside influence on this project. This allowed us to put out the album how we wanted, the lyrics speak truthto power.”
Mike The Spike
The nine-song LP aggressively and un-apologetically takes on a wide range of issues like families, beaches, rock and roll, encroachment, and gentrification.
They even address impoliteness to the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down, which fuels the lyrical content and allows the band’s collective frustrations to spill over onto the emotionally-charged material landscape.
“Mental Implants” is the first effort where all band members are involved and credited with the writing and production.
“No One Cares,” “Problems,” “IDCAT,” “Donor (Part Of Stranger),” “Knowbody Nose,” and “Sheer Heart Attack” are notable tracks that grab the listener and don’t let go.
In fact, all the songs on this album are memorable as they grab your attention with the band’s potent and straightforward point of view. The songs are anchored by a strong backdrop of varied sonic palette, powered by the raw and compelling performances of Human Haggis.
Two years in the making, “Mental Implants” is out now on the Neighborhood Records NYC.
Human Haggis isn’t a newbie to the world of music, but 2021 may be the year we all get to know them.
