Mika Miko is a terrific 5-piece all female band that embodies a spirit reminiscent of Bikini Kill, one that glorifies energy and power without suffocating the audience with a male vs. female agenda. The L.A. band has an amusing statement buried in its press release, relating the band to “a high school dance where Red Cross, Black Flag, X-Ray Spex, The Slits and The Germs are playing at with an updated flare of excitement and anxiousness.” It’s a funny statement as these band’s couldn’t coexist in any atmosphere, at any time, but in light of that, Mika Miko could still maintain a likeness to a party with a guest spot handsomely warmed by The Slits, but still…The Slits are nothing to gawk at.

C.Y.S.L.A.B.F. blazes through its 13 songs in what seems a matter of minutes, each song as rapid and direct as the last. Throughout, singers Jenna Thornhill and Jennifer Clavin exchange sets of shrill gasps integrated with perplexing shouts screams and beastlike moans. What is surprising, and what eventually becomes a charming factor throughout the album, is how well the two harmonize and blend their unique tones into the whirlwind, glorified by the percussion and rhythm which is laid down behind them.

“End of Time” strays from the continuing retro art rock theme and blazes through with buried punk fury. As the album begins to capture the listener with its shrieks, rapid guitar and thumbing low-key bass it becomes easy to understand that the band, fueled by its youth and recklessness, succeeds as the it performs at a level that its members are comfortable with. Mika Miko does not try to delve into a realm of experimentation that is above its members, nor does it delve into a level of brash punk which limits its melody to a dull nuisance. Mika Miko’s brand of mature art-wave develops its listener as a full blown follower, and when you can, as a musician, mold your listener to your music you have most definitely succeeded.

Mika Miko “Capricorinations”
Mika Miko “Business Cats (live)”

Mika Miko “C.Y.S.L.A.B.F.”

Mika Miko – Official Site
Mika Miko – MySpace Site