Formed in the early 2020s, following various backstage jams as Jake and Chris respective bands toured together, they have now established themselves right at the front of rock’s new wave. as Mirador have quickly established themselves as innovators in the hard rock scene by blending their obvious love of Led Zeppelin and more modern artists.
With Mirador, the band not only delivers on their early promise but raises the bar for what a modern rock album can achieve. This is a record that deserves to be heard, celebrated, and cherished around the globe. They have arguably released the debut album of the year. Consisting of Jake Kiszka – vocals/guitar/ harmonica/carnyx horn, Chris Turpin – vocals/guitar, Mikey Sorbello – drums and Nick Pini – bass/keyboards this quartet are ready to make a sizeable hole in the rock world much like Jake’s main band Greta Van Fleet have done.
This self-titled debut is an exuberant celebration of sonic exploration, seamlessly blending lush atmospheres, infectious melodies, and heartfelt lyricism into a listening experience that is nothing short of transcendent. From the very first track “Feels Like Gold”, listeners are swept into a shimmering world where each song feels meticulously crafted yet effortlessly organic. The band demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance intricate musicianship with approachable rock sensibilities, resulting in an album that is both artistically ambitious and universally accessible.
Jake describes their music as “speaking to unspoken mysticism [such as] stories of meeting the devil at the crossroads, selling your soul, and losing your mind to the wind”. Sounds about right.
Standout tracks like “Roving Blade”, “Fortune’s Fate” and “Skyway Drifter” showcase Mirador’s knack for dynamic songwriting, shifting from delicate introspection to soaring choruses with ease. The production is immaculate, enveloping the listener in layers of sparkling, driving rhythms, and emotive vocals that linger long after the final note. What truly sets this album apart, however, is its unwavering positivity and optimism— a rare and welcome gift in today’s musical landscape. Each song radiates power, warmth, inviting the audience to share in a sense of hope and renewal.
As far as first band offering goes they don’t get much better than this effort. It is in equal parts fresh, accomplished, relevant and needed.
Donnie’s Rating: 9.5/10
