Single Review: Silver Cigarette Case

A defining moment for Mini Simmons occurred almost a year ago to the day when they performed a version of Benee’s Soaked at the 2019 Silver Scroll Awards.

The New Zealand charting No 1 single made the cut when the 20 finalists were whittled down to five and, as has become tradition, it was covered by another artist on the night. Mini Simmons were given the nod by musical director Nathan Haines. What stood out was the way they took a slinky and funky slow burner and turned it inside out, with a harmonica and organ twist, into a gritty, almost bluesy swag.

The performance underscored what brothers Zac and Jesse Hawkins and Brad Craig and Yoni Yahel had already shown on their EP Whisky and the Witch and self-titled album – a tight-knit dynamic that drew from a wide variety of sources but was singularly inventive, thoughtful, fresh and dynamic. They borrowed from the past but were not defined by it.

Silver Cigarette Case is the first single from an upcoming album and features new addition Emily Mackie, who fleshes out their sound with keyboards – a role that was intermittently filled by Matthias Jordan, who featured on their most recent single Travelling Show.

There’s a few obvious benefits, not the least a fiercer, sharper dynamic that has the same raw, unbridled energy of old but with a fuller, richer sound palette.

The song – which lyrically “pokes fun at the sheep-like nature of trends” - kicks arse with a classic intro reminiscent of a Tom Petty anthem. Zac’s vocal is insinuating and slightly sarcastic. Craig stabs away with bursts of guitar. The rhythm is solidly rock steady. Mackie’s touches are understated but stylish.

The ‘new’ Mini Simmons is now decked out in a maxi – and it suits.