So, Wayne Coyne sits down with the Magical Mystery Tour album (from the Beatles) and after about four hours of a blissful mind escape, out would come an album like Fortress. But, alas, this album is not of the Flaming Lips, but rather of Miniature Tigers. And while Mr. Coyne did not write it, there is a definite presence of his inspiration.

From the first song, “Mansion Of Misery,” right away you’re transported back to a time of yellow submarines and floppy hair. The tempo is not necessarily at the dance-y level, yet up enough to bop one’s head a bit. A few pages from “I Am the Walrus” were literally ripped out when this song was written. And with the help of a few synths, the song achieves that “coo-coo-cachoo” feeling. A tambourine completes the ensemble of classic rock sounds.

With “Dark Tower,” the album takes a complete 180 and goes more lullaby. The mixture of acoustic guitar, piano and delicate vocals, makes this a good song for fans of Nick Drake or even John Mayer. Percussion comes out as nothing more than that tambourine and a few rhythm beats. Letting all attention focus on the main players: i.e. the guitar and the vocals.

The band does manage to bring their sound to a slightly more recent level with the song “Gold Skull." Strategic computer effects and vocals set at a higher octave combine well with the grooving beats done by the rest of the members. All of which leaves a good Ok Go feeling inside you.

“Lolita” is probably one of the more surprising and interesting songs off the album. It starts so beautiful with a piano solo that eventually leads into some soft guitar strums and even softer lyrics. Though, half way into the song and all hell breaks loose. Jamming out the chorus like it had been stuck in a cage. The previously sleeping guitars thrash out a few notes and those cymbals get a beating. The song bounces back and forth between the chaos and the quiet. Making this a highly dynamic and very entertaining song.

The albums proves to have a multitude of great tracks and with the vast differences, it’ll be one to have something for everyone.

Review by: Rachel Fredrickson

Additional links:
- Purchase F O R T R E S S
- Miniature Tigers on Myspace