Mindless Crowd - Wanderlust (2024) Hi-Res

The new album from Swiss rockers Mindless Crowd, Wanderlust is a melodic rock success — venturing with a jangly guitar-driven immersion, from the hypnotic “Look Up” to the peppy “No Regret,” showing shades of Dire Straits in its stylish aesthetic. Hard-rocking vigor and dreamy engrossment alike linger throughout the production, which fully satiates in its consistently high-quality songwriting and production.

The band got their start in 2012, formed by high school friends. Initially covering songs by classic rock favorites like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, they moved into original songwriting thereafter — and continue to impress with their own melodic brand of rock throughout the compelling Wanderlust, melding throwback rock charms with modern ingenuity in this stellar follow-up to their debut EP.

Mindless Crowd describes the release as “a winding journey of introspection.” They continue: “It’s a call to dare to step out of your daily routine and explore new horizons you may have dreamed of long ago. Along the way, you will encounter motivation, disillusionment, success and failure, but at the end, it’s up to you to hear the world your way. You will come out a little stronger with each step you take.” These themes are intertwined artfully throughout the album.

The album’s opener takes a “First Step” with its hazy guitar tones, moving seamlessly into the expressive charisma on “No Regret.” Suave vocals traverse into asking “why would I stay here?” as steady underlying strums burst into the twangier ardency. “Star Chaser” is another gem with a similar pace, impressing especially as bursting guitars and wordless vocal enthusiasm intertwine into the final minute. Brisker jangle-rock pursuits are gripping throughout, paired well alongside more contemplative drives like “Look Up” and the second of three parts within “The Way In The Sea Of Sand.”

The three-part “The Way In The Sea Of Sand” is an all-encompassing presentation of Mindless Crowd’s dynamic tonal strengths and knack for rewarding structural builds. The aforementioned second section moves with a dreamy captivation, injecting reflective vocal caressing amidst the melancholic guitar elongation.

Meanwhile, the preceding first part is amongst the album’s most sweltering success, moving with dexterous passion as wailing guitars mesh with pulsing undercurrents. The third part, and album finale, is a gorgeous send-off — sounding parts Pink Floyd and The Stone Roses. Wanderlust is a gripping showcase in standout rock songwriting from Mindless Crowd, whose sound proves delightful in its jangly charms and hooky structural unveilings.