There ain’t no party like a Mystery Jets party. Or, more to the point, five Mystery Jets parties. The band have announced an, er, aptly titled #Jetsrospective string of shows in which they’ll play one of their five albums a night at The Garage in London. And, Dear Reader, we’re excited.
It’s been over eleven years since the band released their debut album (yes, really), and in that time the group’s ability to craft a bonafide indie anthem has gone from strength to strength. So, while they’re gearing up to perform pretty much every song they’ve ever written, we pitted the tracks against each other to give you a list of exactly what the greatest of those are. You’re welcome.
‘Bubblegum’
An empowered stroll down familiar streets, ‘Bubblegum’ surges towards the future with thrilling anticipation. A song for anyone who might have ever felt detached or disconnected, it’s rediscovery at its most anthemic.
‘Someone Purer’
Taking a crippling self-doubt and turning it into something dazzling, ‘Someone Purer’ is Mystery Jets at their most majestic. The social network bio primed refrain of “deliver me from sin and give me rock and roll,” is one purpose built for screaming along at the top of your lungs.
‘Greatest Hits’
With a nudge and a wink to the records they hold dear, ‘Greatest Hits’ is a song about the greatest hits – just in case the title didn’t give that away. The disintegration of a relationship told through the music that soundtracked it, the song is (almost) as rife with references as it is sing along “sha la la” refrains.
‘The Hale Bop’
Sure, the chorus lyrics might reference an oncoming disaster that approaches apocalyptic proportions, but you’d be hard pressed to find a Mystery Jets song more danceable. And chances are no one will ever sound as enthusiastic about foliage as when singing along with “if you’re naked, then I’ve got a fig leaf.” Well played.
‘Alice Springs’
If you’ve seen Mystery Jets live before, chances are the elation that comes with standing in a room full of people all screaming “I’D STAND IN THE LINE OF FIRE FOR YOU” will already be familiar. An ode to adoration (as so many of Mystery Jets’ songs are), it is devotion at its most all-encompassing, ready and raring to sweep you off your feet at a moment’s notice. What are you waiting for?
‘Flash A Hungry Smile’
With some jaunty whistling and some jazzed up refrains, on ‘Flash A Hungry Smile’ Mystery Jets master the art of the earworm. The track sparkles as much as it zings, sing along pleas for attention irresistibly hard to turn down.
‘Serotonin’
An ode to the pursuit of what makes you feel good, this is a song purpose crafted to, well, make you feel good. Dance along melodies and a chant-along breakdown make this track certified indie dancefloor fodder.
‘Young Love’
A tale of blossoming lust gone awry as told with a guest appearance from Laura Marling, this is modern romance at its most hopeless, heartache at its most playful, and indie pop collaboration at its most iconic.
‘Flakes’
For swooning sentiment, look no further. ‘Flakes’ is a flickering fire, a warm blanket, and warm mug of whatever-takes-your-fancy on a cold winter night. Barricading out heartache with cosy harmonies and shimmering bell shakes, it’s a moment of sincerity capable of sweeping the sadness away.
‘Two Doors Down’
The ultimate. The crowning glory. The pinnacle of pop power. This is Mystery Jets at their brightest and most bombastic. Contagious chorus? Check. Infatuated emotion? Check. There’s even a saxophone solo thrown in for good measure. Still not convinced? Just take a look at the music video. There’s kitsch colours, garish movements, and cartoon backdrops galore. Let’s face it: any song that can pull off its own dance routine without stumbling into overtly cheesy territory has got to be pretty up there on the banger scale.
‘You Can’t Fool Me Dennis’
‘You Can’t Fool Me Dennis’ takes the form of an engulfing tidal wave of searing guitar solos, slamming piano jams, shrill chorus cries, and cowbell. Boasting one of the most go-out-and-get-’em-kidda refrains around in the form of “you can do anything you want as long as it makes sense,” this is motivation made sonic.
‘Diamonds In The Dark’
Broken promises and pent up regrets, ‘Diamonds In The Dark’ is youthful lust personified. Mournful sentiment might not seem the most engaging on paper, but coupled with clap-along rhythms and caterwauling vocal cries, suddenly heartbreak doesn’t sound so bad after all.
Mystery Jets will play all five of their albums in full at London’s Garage, from 25th-30th September.