Alternative Press Low Profile

Mira: A Floridian light in the darkwave tunnel.

reviewed by David Slatton

Listening to the melancholy songs of Mira, it's hard to believe the band reside in Tallahassee, Florida. Sun, fun and college parties don't usually encourage somber introspection, but away from the local clubs and bars featuring hard rock and ska bands, Mira's wounded lyrics and lush guitars have attracted quite a following.

"I don't really know why people like our songs," says singer Regina Sosinski. "I think they identify with the emotion and the music, because we are definitely not a band people come and mosh to."

The quartet's eponymous debut (on Projekt) sounds more like a Slowdive-inspired soundtrack for nights of quiet contemplation. The swirling guitars of Tom Parker and Mark Davidson and the downtempo percussion of Alan Donaldson provide the backdrop for Sosinski's yearning vocals.

"I tend to be more withdrawn, and that's something I've been dealing with lately," says the singer. "Trying to open up and tear down internal boundaries I have and realize we are all the same inside."

After exploring the mournful depths of the human soul, what direction will Mira take next?

"Our songs are getting happier," Sosinski says. "I'm just not in a down period of my life now. The new stuff will be more about people and life."