After signing to Estrus Records (by fax machine) in 1991, Cincinnati's The Mortals churned out a half-rack of unhinged and manic LPs and 7” records in 3 short years. Their reputation was sealed as one of the region's most explosive live acts--leaving scorched stages and veritable black holes in their wake--before hanging it up in '94.
Fast forward to 2018, when stars aligned and The Mortals threw together a one-off, loud, sloppy and astounding reunion show—everything a fan could ask for. After reigniting that spark, the band banged out a couple dozen more shows, and even recorded a mid-pandemic LP of new material: Low Value Targets, in '22.
Now they're calling it a day once again—but not before sharing one last glimpse of the final lineup’s knack for channeling unbridled, brooding, and unsanctimonious rock ‘n roll.
Here, with the record held by your own grubby paws, The Mortals circle the drain one last time. Electric Eye pops open a King case of troubled new tunes tracked at Cincinnati’s Mainliner Studios. The characteristic howling guitars are there with added gobs of post punk and degenerate glam folded into the band's earlier Estrus-style garage rock. A one-time pressing of 75 slabs on translucent green wax (with an extra vinyl-only bonus track) are out there in the world. You'll be lucky to have one.