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Not The Same
Blues Matters! Records 2005
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Revolver, NL, 2006 |
"This blues rock quartet from Holland knows their
stuff. They have developed their own take on their
favorite music and manage to avoid predictable
patterns. These guys may not be musical musclemen,
but they do know how to give their music muscle."
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Aardschok, NL, 2006 |
"There are simply no bad tracks on this album. Songs
like Muddy Waters and Swamp Thing reflect the band's
blues background but on the whole this record is
definitely more rock than blues. The band borrows
heavily from America's rich rock history, particularly
when it comes to the fine vocal arrangements. For
bluesrockers and rootsrockers this ace album from
Dutch soil is a safe bet."
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Oor, NL, 2006 |
"This debut album for the British label Blues Matters!
marks a significant departure for The Mellotones.
Though still rooted in the blues, they opt for
funkiness and psychedelics in a combination of
southern and classic rock. Rhythmically, they are
as overwhelming as ever. The album title pretty much
says it all. Consider that a compliment."
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Platomania, NL, 2006 |
"This is hot shit. Just listen to The One, which sounds
like Peter Frampton playing blues. Or Dead Man
Walking, in which zombies appear to be able to play a
mean solo. Or my personal favorite, Swamp Thing. Pretty damn good!"
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Red Rooster Radio, NL, 2006 |
"Their music is varied: it's energetic, the songs are
original, it rocks, there are psychedelic and funky
moments. On this new album the Mellotones have
succeeded in approaching their music in a different
way than before. Maybe that explains the title of the
album, for it's definitely NOT THE SAME."
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Live XS, NL, 2006 |
"The Mellotones manage to keep the blues fresh and
energetic. The foursome has shown previously their
ability to mesh various styles, which they're also
doing on this disc. The Mellotones aren't even afraid
of playing quietly. That's one in the eye for other
Dutch 'bluesbands'. Cool!"
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Digital Blues, UK, 2005 |
"This is a really great collection of material which I find both highly original and inventive. It rocks, it has psychedelic moments, it is varied, interesting, highly enjoyable, very listenable to and should win the band many more fans.
The more I listen to the CD, the more great lyrics I hear."
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Wild Live Action
New Road Records 2002
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Oor, NL, 2002 |
"This is live blues at major-league level."
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De Gitarist, NL, 2002 |
"Mike Donkers sends fire through your speakers."
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Aloha, NL, 2002 |
"Mike Donkers and his compadres' biggest merit is that they don't walk any narrow blues tracks, but that in the course of their nine-year existence they've developed a clearcut and original take on the music instead, one that straddles the fence between blues and power rock."
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Blues News, Germany, 2002 |
"Many an artist would wish their studio albums sounded as fat and powerful as this live album."
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Block Magazine, NL, 2002 |
"Those of you who have seen Mike Donkers and his guys at work know how energetic their shows can be. They play genuine no-frills Texas blues, straight from the heart and with lots of passion."
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Blues Matters!, UK, 2002 |
"This is what a live album is all about - shit hot act with great guests and really letting it go."
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Track Magazine, NL, 2002 |
"Wild Live Action has become an impressive testament to what this trio, which is rooted in Texas blues, is capable of in a live setting."
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Heaven Magazine, NL, 2002 |
"Mike & the Mellotones cleverly avoid the big blues cliches without losing sight of the blues tradition."
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Backline, NL, 2002 |
"Together with the frenzied crowd Mike & the Mellotones create a perfect live atmosphere."
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Music Maker, NL, 2002 |
"This record's super-catchy vibe does not lend itself to be captured into words. So just listen to it and do it now."
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Thumbs Up
New Road Records 1999
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Aardschok, NL, 1999 |
"If you like blues, this CD should not be absent from your collection."
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Block Magazine, NL, 1999 |
"Mike & the Mellotones possess enough pizzazz to keep towering over all the others."
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De Gelderlander (newspaper), NL, 1999 |
"Thumbs Up! is a mature album that boasts a solid, energetic, and diversified unit venturing into the legacy of Texas blues."
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Music Maker, NL, 1999 |
"Thumbs Up! is their third album and their most diverse one to date. A terrific export product from the Dutch Delta."
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Oor, NL, 1999 |
"The overall sound of Thumbs Up! can be divided roughly into three categories: fat, fatter, fattest. A Dutch blues/roots album of exceptional quality."
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Platomania, NL, 1999 |
"A diabolically good CD."
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Pitch Magazine, NL, 1999 |
"Mike & the Mellotones have produced just one of the best blues 'n' roots albums ever to come forth from Dutch soil."
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Smilin' Ears Magazine, NL, 1999 |
"Although Dutch bluesrock is getting back in style, this particular variety has got international appeal."
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Featuring 'Monster' Mike Welch
New Road Records 1997
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Blues News, Germany, 1998 |
"With this album Mike & the Mellotones manage to surprise once again. Together with Mike Welch they show their true potential."
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Block Magazine, NL, 1998 |
"This album puts Mike & the Mellotones in the highest echelons of the Dutch blues scene."
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Fret Magazine, NL, 1997 |
"The band shows their true mastery of the blues idiom."
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Lick Magazine, NL, 1997 |
"It's hard to sit still when listening to this down-to-the-bone blues album."
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Oor, NL, 1998 |
"With this album Mike & the Mellotones consolidate their status as Holland's foremost blues band."
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Live Magic
Lizard Discs / Munich Records 1996
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Block Magazine, NL, 1996 |
"Mike & the Mellotones could easily have been from Austin, Texas, they sound that authentic."
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British Blues Connection, UK, 1996 |
"A blistering live set of numbers and an honest and thoroughly commendable effort."
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German Blues Circle, Germany, 1996 |
"If Mike, as I suspect, is truly Dutch, his extremely good vocals do not betray it, and his guitar playing will not disappoint Texas Blues lovers."
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Lick Magazine, NL, 1996 |
"This live album smokes and stirs, with excellent vocals from Mike, and is proof positive that Dutch bands are able to compete with other, supposedly 'fantastic' American acts."
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Oor, 1996, NL |
"Never before was there such a powerful, honest, and convincing debut by a Dutch band."
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