Anton Mink: Outside the Lines

Outside the Lines is actually Louisville-based Anton Mink’s second release after their 2007 self-titled CD.  Describing Anton Mink’s sound is difficult as it has a funky punkish flavor that vaguely reminds one of 90s bands like No Doubt and the Red Hot Chili Peppers with a touch of R&B and hip-hop to produce a charismatically intense, yet listenable sound. The songs are rhythmically centered with Donnie Arbuckle’s drums sitting high in the mix and sometimes changing tempo dramatically during the song yet the pieces remain musically connected. The instrumentation is tight; the production is of a very high quality without sounding studio-processed.  Bardstown native, Chola Mardis is the sensual, raspy vocal force and adds a moody flavor to the lyrics which are sophisticated in their imagery reflecting a generally post-modern existentialist view of life. If you are into bluegrass, blues country or more traditional music, you probably won’t like Anton Mink but, if you have the courage to break out of your musical shell and explore new genres, then perhaps you’ll enjoy and grasp what Anton Mink is trying to do as they go “Outside the Lines.”

About the author: JackMontgomery is a librarian, author and Professor at Western KentuckyUniversity where he handles bookings for musical acts in UniversityLibraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professionalmusician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet calledWatersprite. Visit him at MySpace/shadowdancerjackor on Facebook.