MIMR

As they prepare to destroy and conquer at Deco Records upcoming all-dayer gig this saturday, grunge-rock trio Shallow Waters spoke to us about their 2020 plans, their origins as a band and their love of food.

MIMR: Great to have you on MIMR, how did the band start up and what influences inspire the sound you create?

SW: Without sounding to cliché I think Shallow Waters formed out of necessity. Growing up in a town that has a strong history of industrialism, the status quo was that you go to school, you get a trade and break your back grafting till the end of your days. This was a concept that we all rejected and it unified us. I think that is something that still inspires our music to date, the desire to escape the chains of conformity.
We all picked up instruments and after countless freezing winter nights in Martyn’s garage it became clear that the pursuit of music was something we would always follow. Through our taste in music and our sound and style might change, the desire to create will remain an itch that can’t be scratched.

MIMR: Thrilled to see you on another Deco Records all-dayer this coming Saturday, what do you do in the lead up to a gig like this and what’s your favorite thing about playing live.

SW: I don’t think we do anything particularly different leading up to any gig. If we aren’t in the practice room, we’re thinking about being in the practice room. We spend endless hours together jamming, writing and rehearsing. I like to think we stay ready so we don’t have to get ready.
Our favorite thing about playing live is getting the opportunity to share the music. The feedback that we get from performing being positive or constructive gives us a huge source of inspiration. We love traveling to new cities and venues, getting explore and see what art and food they have to offer, especially food, we love a good scran

MIMR: Here at MIMR we’ve been enjoying your ‘Lounge Session Demo’ record, how was this produced and can we expect any new releases this year?

SW: We recorded the Lounge Session Demo live in one day at The Lounge Studio in Wigan with Gareth Nuttall engineering. We spent a countless amount of hours and money in various studios prior, unable to capture what we desired, so we figured we would give it a shot with us all in one room at the same time and record the whole thing live. We are really happy with how it turned out.
We have a new single coming out at the back end of February that we also recorded with Gaz at The Lounge. So stay vigilant, we’re just putting the finishing touches together on the music video and artwork.

MIMR: What’s been your most memorable gig as a band so far and why?

SW: We played a gig last year and Chris fell off the top of a Marshal stack amp, mid-song, straight onto his back. That was pretty memorable.

MIMR: What bands that you’ve had the pleasure to play with would you recommend listening to?

SW: Shouts to our boys Manalishi, proper good northern grunge, go check them out.

MIMR: Thank you for dropping by and talking to us, look forward to seeing you on Saturday. How can people follow your socials?

SW:

Spotify:https://sptfy.com/shallowwatersBandcamp: https://shallowwaters.bandcamp.com/musicInstagram: https://instagram.com/shallow_waters_ukFacebook: https://facebook.com/shallowwaters.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/UKShallowWaters

With their punchy and powerful shoegazey vigour, new Bristol band Nossiennes have got us a bit excited here at MIMR, we spoke to the band to chat more about their exciting future plans as well as their brilliant EP

MIMR: A pleasure to have you on the blog.
Tell us about the band and what would you say are the influences that mould your sound?

Nossiennes: Nossiennes gets its name from Erik Satie’s neologism gnossiennes but we dropped the first letter because we all have names beginning with ‘G’ also. We started in late spring 2019 almost as a side project to various solo and band things we were doing already. It happened very naturally; even though we were unaware of where it would lead we all knew we didn’t want to fall into certain genres that seem prominent on the live scene in Bristol. Nossiennes could be tagged as ‘experimental’ shoegaze in that we’re still developing our sound and influenced by how diverse the genre is. There are so many qualities that make shoegaze very different to the mainstream but we didn’t want to simply replicate or adhere to it. Most of our sound is developed through looping and experimenting with pedals featuring contrasts of noise and ambience like bands such as Bowery Electric, Seafeel, Landing and Lovesliescrushing. Some elements of noise rock like Sonic Youth or early Blonde Redhead or post-punk like Wire and Echo and the Bunnymen could be heard also. However we’re influenced by 20th century classical music/theory and how it crosses over into minimalist and electronic sounds. Anything impressionistic, immersive, or hypnotic like Steve Reich, Morton Feldman, Ligeti, even Debussy/Ravel but who knows if it comes across. It’s perhaps a shared aim of some of the guitar-based ethereal genres anyway, sonic textures and altered states.

MIMR: MIMR is happy to have discovered your recent EP, it’s one of our faves of the moment, how was this produced and are you happy with how it came together and the final cut?

Nossiennes: Thanks, glad you like it. Making the Vivere EP was enjoyable and we didn’t expect to get the response it’s got so far, especially before gigging at all really. We only finished writing the tracks the weekend before but knew these new songs would sound great recorded so there was a sense of urgency to get it right. We had recorded some demos in a mostly ‘live’ fashion at a church hall in Frome during the summer but wanted to get a producer involved so we hooked up with Dom Mitchison (Malthouse Studios) at Christchurch Studios in Bristol and didn’t look back. We tracked live then overdubbed bass and vocals etc. in three days. The EP has defined contrasts and could almost be made up of three different bands. From long and (mainly improvised) atmospheric loops, to dreamy slowcore melodies to noisepop walls of sound, somehow it worked and that’s all thanks to Dom. It was mastered at Optimum and was picked up by Shore Dive Records who have kindly done a good job releasing and promoting it. Axel Mendicuti created the artwork that really suits the tracks. We’re happy with it and pleased about the positive reviews but really just want to write some more new songs and do it all again.

MIMR: You’ve got a few gigs coming up, what would you say is your favourite thing about playing live?

Nossiennes: Our favourite things are instrumental improvising, creating moments of intense rivalry within the dynamic of the band, energy and immersion really; and loud volume. There’s never a better feeling playing gigs, its very cathartic and a good way to share our music with people who might not have otherwise heard us. It’s hard to answer to be honest; things are just starting up so its nice to know everything doesn’t happen all on the Internet.

MIMR: Would love to see you come up to Manchester in the future, what other places/venues would you love to play as a band?

Nossiennes: Really we would love to play Manchester. If anyone wants to put us on please send us an email. We’ve had some ideas/loose offers in the South like London, Oxford, Bournemouth, Brighton but it would be interesting to play abroad, perhaps Italy, France or even Japan or Mexico! Anywhere who wants us really!

MIMR: Did any of the band have any new year resolutions?

Nossiennes: We wouldn’t say resolutions as such. However we would like a bassist! We can work without one, but of course it would be a lot better with one. If we had a resolution it would be to never get too comfortable in our ways and continue to write and experimenting.

MIMR: Thanks for stopping by and talking to us, great work with the EP. How can people follow you on social media?

Nossiennes: Thanks also MIMR, it’s been a real pleasure. We’re on all the usual sites @nossiennes on Facebook, Instagram and Soundcloud.

Listen to the EP here:

How did you spend Valentine’s day this year? Buying lavish gifts for your loved ones for no real reason i bet, a much more enjoyable and a little less heartache would of been spent listening to the self-titled debut album by Manchester pop-rock heroes Grotbags or should i say ‘the Greatest band in the world’ as stated modestly by themselves but like the Coronavirus, this statement is spreading.

Released via Dipped In Gold Recordings this release delves through how to deal with the existence of over-sized babies, being the recipent of nude pics on your phone and avoiding your album to have any ‘Hot Shorts Shit’ on it (we love Hot Shorts btw)

The rousing intro ‘Hiya’ is the perfect way to get friendly with the frolicking 5 piece and by the end of this short but sweet record they will become one of your favourite bands.

Muscle Touch bounds along with cutting riffs and pounding beats, a real pulsating anthem, which weighs in at their longest track in duration, it’s a right treat. Cute drops in next, a track that has been around for a little while but gets it’s time to really shine here, spiralling guitars as well as jazzy interludes hit all the right spots.

Furiously arriving on the scene Alarm Clock tells the tale of the constant fight to get out of bed and start the day, often because of the hatred of work. There’s no snooze to be pressed on this track tho as it whizzes along with bellowing vocals and more powerful riffs, ‘fuck work indeed’. Previous single ‘Big Baby‘ arrives and it’s subject does ring with me, being dad myself and based on my own observations, other babies do sometimes appear larger than life, not mine of course, remember fruit and veg people! The track itself has catchy, quirky lyrics and is hard not to smile to.

The aptly named track Puke harbours back to drunken nights out and snogging and the fear of puking occuring during the act. The rousing guitar solo halfway through is instantly pleasing and more catchy lyrics to boot to keep you hooked!

Fried Egg scrambles your brain with more bruising guitars, crashing beats and euphoric harmonies as the track is brought to buyoant finale. Arguably MIMR fave track Tinder Surprise is next in the spotlight and it’s defintely one you would swipe the right way for. Telling the tale of the unwanted sexual pics on your phone, it has more electrifying hooks, jazzy tones and even more sing-a-long, frolicking lyrics capturing the bands fun loving spirit and approach to their music.

As we head towards the climax of the record Astro Terf blasts off and take you on one last ride on Apollo Grotbags soaring into the stratosphere with the turbo blasters on full pelt! Quick-fire vocals and furious riffs are heard as they embark on their fruitful and mesmerising journey.

We’re serenaded with one last hurrah with album closing ‘Biya’ as they state that there now down the pub! Grotbags have achieved what they set out to do, make music that doesnt take itself too seriously, will make you laugh, cry, puke and probably every other emotion imaginable but it will defintely be on repeat…now ‘goodbye you punks! that’s what say….right?

Listen to the album here:

Get yourself a lovely pink vinyl here:

https://www.piccadillyrecords.com/counter/product.php?pid=132335

Another new band to emerge on the blog in recent times are Alt rock 6 piece Switch who are ready to inject a fresh dose of rock music into your veins. MIMR spoke to the band ahead of their show with Deco Records tonight!

MIMR: Fantastic to have you on the blog, how best would you describe your sound?

Switch: Our sound is a full on and fresh twist on modern alternative rock drawing influence from rock, grunge, punk and all sorts of other sounds we try to implement into our music

MIMR: So your next show is playing for Deco Records, what can we expect from one of your shows and what venues out there would love to play as a band?

Switch: Our shows are energetic, commanding attention and lifting the roof off of any venue, we would always play the same way to three people as we would to three thousand! Any venue is a blessing for a band of our size, but we dream of playing iconic venues around Manchester, Places such as Gorilla, Deaf Institute and rebellion as well as envisioning ourselves playing venues such as Castlefield Bowl, The Ritz and even the Manchester Arena.

MIMR: Been enjoying your demos recently, have you got any new music releases planned for this year?

Switch: Yes! We have an EP in the works and are hoping to have it out for summer and are constantly working towards releasing new songs to keep it fresh. Songs such as Tattoo and Comedown will be debuted tomorrow and we can’t wait to know what you think.

MIMR: So you’ve done a few gigs now and you are headlining Manchester academy next month, what’s the best thing about performing live?

Switch: For us, the passion and support from the fans is one of the most exhilarating feelings you can get, seeing how our music affects people in the moment is special. We also love the buzz and adrenaline from being on stage. And we can’t forget the free beers 😉

MIMR: If you could tour with any band past or present who would it be and why?

Switch: The Beatles are a no brainier for us, seeing how music changed the world in a time of tension and to be a part of a music revolution that shaped the way the music industry has developed into what it is today . Being on tour with the band that has inspired so many generations of musicians, us included, would be simply a blessing.

MIMR: Thanks for being on the blog, how can people follow you on social media?

Switch: Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SwitchBandOfficical (search for ‘Switch.’)

Instagram: @switch_band_official

Soundcloud: @switch_band_official

Ahead of their show with Deco Records tomorrow night at The Railway, Grunge, rock trio Sick Ducks spoke to us about their EP plans, gigging and what to expect at The Railway

MIMR: Great to have a new band on the blog, who are sick ducks and how best would you describe your sound?

Louis: we’re Louis (guitar/vox) calum (drums) and criostoir (bass), we just describe ourselves as a rock band but there’s a lot of 90s american alt rock influences like nirvana, rhcp etc in our tunes, and i like to think we sound energetic, loud and DIY

MIMR: What’s the latest with the band, are you going to focus on gigging or releasing music or a bit of both?

Louis: so at the moment we have one demo out but we’ve started recording an EP in our practice space. the aim is to release it in summer, with one of the songs having a video, and we also have our eye on doing a live video and obviously gigging as much as we can!

MIMR: See your on the line up for the return of Deco Records showcase at The Railway this coming friday. How does the band best prepare for a gig?

Louis: first of all we try and be as unhungover as possible – learnt that the hard way – but criostoir is quite new to the band so we’ve been practicing loads just trying to sound tight really. none of us really gets nervous about playing so its just about feeling as good as possible about ourselves and our music so we can put that across on stage, we’re big believers in the energy and feeling behind a show being what makes it memorable and fun for us and hopefully anyone watching/listening

https://m.soundcloud.com/thesickducks

MIMR: If you could play another instrument in a band which one would it be and why?

Louis: criostoir already plays drums in another band, furrowed brow, and louis spent about 10 years playing bass in various bands in school and college. calum plays just about everything really including a dope hangdrum thing that sounds like bonobo but he also comes up with cool jazzy guitar licks and has done instruments on a hip hop EP too.

MIMR: Thanks for dropping by and talking to MIMR, how can people follow you on social media?

Louis: @thesickducks on instagram, facebook and soundcloud! twitter seemed too dangerous cos it’s too easy to shitpost but it’s very much in the pipeline

With a rip-rawing beginning to the new decade and sure to be one of your favourite hidden gems from the DIY Manchester music
scene, post-punk trio The Early Mornings stepped out into the limelight with their recently released debut single turning many people’s heads with their fresh, clean cut sound.



After a string of soundcloud demos, the 3 piece showcase their thrilling sound to the masses with ‘Artificial Flavours’ fast becoming an essential inclusion in anyone’s playlist. Fiery guitars are concealed with a piercing bass and a toe-pounding beat that instantly gets you hooked.


Official Video:

https://youtu.be/BLoPzxUOt1A

Having taken in their live show at their recent single launch gig at The Peer Hat, theres a lot more people that share the same love for the band as MIMR and this is just the start for a Manchester band that are going places.


Catch them at their remaining gig dates here:

https://www.facebook.com/theearlymornings/


https://open.spotify.com/track/2YwSvOUwQnW3Cqy6iCpqfr?si=lNKt2a4JRXKkVjkF1h-fMw

Here’s the best gigs in Manchester this month, it’s a bumper month!

Gig of the Month

15th Grotbags Album Launch @ Yes

Quirky Indie-pop 5 piece Grotbags are all set for some loving when they release their self-titled debut album via Dipped In Gold recordings on Valentine’s day.

The self proclaimed ‘greatest band in the world’ will showcase their record which covers such topics as greedy babies, relationships and lude photos.

Support on the album launch night comes from South Yorkshire Mick Hucknall and Hot Shorts, it’s guna be a blast!


https://facebook.com/events/s/grotbags-album-launchvalentine/849976835420412/?ti=cl



8th

Stay Fresh Fest feat. Springfield Elementary, All Arson Girls Club, Fighting Rhythm, Mt Fuji and more… @Deaf Institute


USA Nails @ The Peer Hat
Deco Records Presents The Pagans S.O.H w/ Tinfoils, Bethlehem Casuals and Slap Rash @ Night and Day Cafe



11th

Olly Flavell @ The Castle



13th

New StreetRecords presents The Red Stains w/ Filth, Ansatz Circle and Slap Rash @ Manc Academy 3



14th

Dollie Demi @ The Castle



15th

Saults @ Bread Shed


The Jade Assembly @ Gorilla



18th

New Street Records
presents Idle Hours + guests @ Gullivers



22nd

Deco All Dayer @ The Peer Hat



Farfisa EP launch @ Big Hands Bar



28th

SPQR w/ Springfield Elementary, Tinfoils and The Vandalis



29th

Deja Vega (Sold Out) @ Deaf Institute

With their 1st appearance on MIMR and a headline show in Manchester this weekend with our good friends Deco Records The Pagan S.O.H hailing from the midlands have a lot to shout about.

We spoke to the band ahead of the show about gigs, support bands and new years resolutions!

MIMR: Great to have you on the blog, what’s the latest with the band as we enter 2020?

Connor – We’ve just been announced as performing for the You Are Not Alone Festival on the the 28th of March. It looked sick last year and we’re proud to be able to play it, this year. Proceeds go to Manchester Mind.

Marcus – we started the year off with a bang at Rockaway Festival in Bognor. Honestly, one of the best festivals that we’ve played. The crowd were next level.

MIMR: How best would you describe your music and what influences greatly determine your sound?

Daragh – each of us have completely different tastes, which I think is reflected in the pagan sound that we make. I’m a big fan of Black Flag, Bad Brains and MF Doom. Marcus is into a bit of jazz and stuff, whereas Connor likes the heavier rock sound.

Connor – the playlists that we listen to, on the way to gigs, is all over the place.

MIMR: Great to see you headlining the latest Deco Records night at Night and Day this coming saturday, what’s the favourite thing about performing live?

Marcus – that’s why we do what we do. The live performances. Its everything to us, which is why we gig so much. It’s a addictive, the way we feed of audiences and vice versa. Best feeling in the world.

MIMR: Do you enjoy watching the other bands playing at your gigs and do you have a favourite band that you’ve played with?

Daragh – yeah, we love seeing new bands. It’s a perk of the job. We’re playing with Tinfoils at the night and day gig and I think this will be our 4th gig with them. They’re great lads and we love their sound.

Marcus – We’re also playing with deja Vega in Brum at the end of February. They’re an incredible live band. We’ve played with The Blinders a few times now and that’s always a fantastic experience.

MIMR: Did any of the band have any new year resolutions?

Marcus – to get to sound checks on time haha! It’s hard man, we all have full time jobs, so getting to them early is a real challenge at times but we’re trying.

Connor – no resolutions, as such, but we wanna get a couple more singles out there this year.

MIMR: What’s been your favourite venue you’ve played as a band?

Daragh – the Ritz in Manchester is definitely up there. Amazing venue. We played it for socialist Sunday in December.

Connor – We played the O2 Institute in Brum, supporting The Twang. That’s a sick venue. The crowd were insane.

MIMR: Thanks for chatting to MIMR, how can people follow you on social media?

Marcus – all the usual places

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thepagansband/

Instagram:

Thepaganssoh

Twitter:

@the_pagans

Tickets here

https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pagans-soh-with-tinfoils-b/2492671270811337/?ti=cl