The Mystery Lights - “Sorry I Forgot Your Name”

The Mystery Lights have remained one of New York City’s finest garage rock outfits. They’ve delivered record after record of captivating garage rock over the course of the last decade. And in a genre that can get stale pretty quickly, The Mystery Lights somehow always sound fresh. Take their latest record, Purgatory, as an example. It’s their first album in five years, but they do well in adding some more Sonic flair to their vintage psychedelic sound, which is front and center on “Sorry I Forgot Your Name.”

“Sorry I Forgot Your Name” is twangy and up-tempo, combining sun-soaked riffs and raw vocals. That former characterization that makes this venture unique for the Mystery Lights, as their dabble into a bit of country is definitely Byrdsian, but feels new and exciting for the Brooklyn quintet. The song also features jangly guitars and a rhythmic pulse that feels almost hypnotic. The bass and drums are tight, laying down a foundation that allows the rest of the instrumentation to shine. The way the song builds and the occasional breakdowns of intensity show the band’s ability to weave in moments of tension, allowing the song to feel both dynamic and urgent.

Stream the track below!

You can purchase Purgatory on vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.