MIMR

With their brand new single released Nov 15 thru new london based record label, Notting Hill Arts Club Recordings, Macclesfield Goth-pop band Grimm Twinns sparkle and shine with their upbeat anthem ‘Summer Of Love’ which is sure to warm you up and lift the winter gloom.

The 5 piece previously featured on the blog under the guise of Hot Vestry a few years ago, have released 3 singles this year, gaining significant momentum each time and proving that this change in name and musical direction has very much worked for the best.

Eerie synths, striking riffs and some bellowing vocals make this track one to rejoice too, listen to it here and find out for yourself!

Grotbags ‘Big Baby’

The opening track on this edition of MIMR Playlist and their very 1st appearance on the blog, it’s a pleasure to have local heroes Grotbags and it’s long overdue for sure.

The quirky pop/rock quartet, who are the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Band In The World’ if you go by there rapturous track ‘Hiya’ whilst also stating they write songs about food and snogging, are ready and raring to embark on the release of their long awaited debut record early next year.

The 10 track album out Valentines day includes the brilliant track ‘Big Baby’ which is a catchy, infectious song, with a concoction of delightful synths and striking riffs.

Make them your favourite band!

The 99 Degree ‘Flatline’

Taken from their recent released EP ‘El Monstruo’ MIMR welcome back the silky, bluesy/garage rock tones of The 99 Degree to the blog.

Having featured last on the blog a couple of years ago when they’re brilliant ‘Boot Hill Surf Club’ record was amongst our best EPs of that year, their return is much needed and very neccesary.

‘Flatline’ is a dark and dingey monster awoken by electrifying guitars and bruising beats, it’s a bluesy rock crusade that echoes through your brain and pushes all the right buttons! El Magnific!

Those Fucking Snowflakes ‘Vegan Sausage Rolls vs Gammon Faced Vampires’

One of the loudest discoveries on the blog in recent times return to Playlist with their latest track and it’s another squash-buckling, ear-blasting experience.

Blackpool punk 3 piece Those Fucking Snowflakes unleash the latest cut from their upcoming EP ‘U OK HUN’ out 6th Dec and it’s another journey into there outlandish and crazy world.

Bellowing vocals, crashing beats and some blistering riffs explode into a track that consumes you.

The music video is a hilarious take on world affairs with Greta Thunberg fighting Piers Morgan amongst other comedic antics, it serves as a reminder to the current state of the affairs in our country which has reached equally laughable levels.

Can we celebrate 2 things very soon TFS new EP and the tories doing one, stick that in your pipe Boris and smoke it!

Threads ‘Sequels’

Another band back after some time away from the blog are Manchester post-punk maestros Threads with some brand new recordings that show their ever-changing sound and why their place on the Manchester scene is intriguing and vital in equal measure.

Taken from their recent ‘CASSETTE’ release, which also includes a newer version of their epic 2017 track ‘Chlorine’ (previously featured on MIMR Playlist) ‘Sequels’ echoes effortlessly, refurberating your brain, with robust, heavy riffs and heartfelt vocals reaching a crusendo of noise which is hard to compare to.

Produced through a 4 track tape machine, the band continue their dedicated passion to do their music on their own terms and as we start the countdown to 2020, let’s hope Threads let their music do the talking in the near future.

Foxglove ‘Blind’

Out earlier this month, indie-pop quartet Foxglove add another track of considerable note, building their already strong singles collection.

‘Blind’ is a upbeat, bouncy track with mesmerising synths and glorious vocals which sparkle and shine, with some effervescent melodies running through the track effortlessly.

As we head into 2020 Foxglove are in a good place and with a recent appearance on BBC introducing under their belts, it’s sure to be a year of only good things, you’d have to be ‘blind’ not to see that too.

The video for Those Fucking Snowflakes track is here:

With the most anticipated records of this year now out, one of MIMR favourite bands Sprinters return to the blog and we spoke to Neil from the band about the album, Kanye West and getting back to gigging.

MIMR: It’s brilliant to have one of MIMR favourite bands at the moment on the blog, how would you describe your sound to any potential new listener?

Neil: Thanks for having us. It’s Indie rock with elements of surf and indie pop. A lot of people also describe us as lo-fi, but I think the new album steered away from that.

MIMR: So your new album has been out a few weeks now and it’s one of faves of this year at MIMR. How was this produced and were they’re anything you did differently compared to the last record?

Neil: We did this one completely different from the first. Our drummer Sam convinced me to let him record it at his new studio in Chorley. We recorded the first album live relying on capturing good performances and then did overdubs. We tracked Struck Gold the proper way so to speak, laying down the drums and bass, then all the guitars, keys then vocals. It took a while as we would get into the sessions usually after work or the weekends, that and I’m a perfectionist, and apparently a nightmare to record with it.
Some of the sessions got quite tense: I’m use to knowing what I want and just doing that, but everyone contributed to the production of this one. A funny memory in particular is when we recorded ‘The Light’ one Saturday afternoon, I think it was the last song we recorded and me and Sam almost ended up in a brawl over the songs production.

MIMR: Playing the new record live must be the end point to the process, are you happy to get out to people and how did the launch gig go?

Neil: Yes we’re all pretty pleased it’s finally out. I could mix an album forever but eventually you have to let it go. The album launch was really nice to play the new stuff finally. Playing with two of our favourite Manchester bands was great also (Secret Admirer & Spengler)

MIMR: Looking ahead to next year, what plans do you have and are looking to play more gigs further afield if possible?

Neil: We’re currently booking a tour for early next year and hope to get back out there playing again. We took 2018 off to record and we’ve missed playing shows.

MIMR: The title of the record and it’s opening track is called ‘Struck Gold’ and it’s the perfect opening to the album but if you struck gold, ie: won the lottery or something similiar, what would be your no.1 luxury item you would have to purchase?

Neil: That’s a tough one. I’d probably have to buy something ridiculous. Didn’t Kanye West recently buy a gold toilet? Probably that. Maybe a PR person too as I’m shocking at social media.

MIMR: Thanks once again to chatting to MIMR and we will continue to enjoy your new record. How can people listen to the record?

Neil: The record is on all streaming platforms now via Meritorio Records. And it’s available to buy on vinyl at our bandcamp – https://sprinters.bandcamp.com

Another band hitting the stage tonight at Deco Records latest residency gig at The Railway are Deadwing and they’re sure to get you in the right mood. They took the time out to speak to us ahead of their show.

MIMR: Great to have you on the blog, how best would you describe your sound and what are your main influences?

Deadwing: Thanks for having us! We describe ourselves as gothic psychedelic rock taking inspiration from a wide variety of influences like Led Zeppelin, Marillion, Elder and Daughter.

MIMR: How has this year been for the band and what can we expect from you in the near future?

Deadwing: This year has been crazy for the band as we aren’t even a year old. We’ve gone through a lineup change, released a single and a music video and done loads of gigs in the North! we are releasing our second single on 29th November and are having a single release party at Retro in Manchester on 4th December!

MIMR: Super to see you on the bill for Deco Records showcase this friday, what can we expect to see from one of your live shows?

Deadwing: We’re really excited to play the Deco Records showcase! You can expect Atmospheric, Doomy loud-ness from one of our sets.

MIMR: If you could learn to play a different instrument which one would it be and why?

Ellie: I’d learn how to play guitar

Dragos: I’d play drums because drums are the driving force of the band!

Jake: I would play bass because bass is cool.

Jack: I’d learn Piano because I can only play Mad World.

MIMR: Thanks for dropping by and giving us the lowdown on the band, how can people follow you on social media?

Deadwing: We are on Facebook and Instagram under @deadwingband!
We are also on all streaming sites as Deadwing

As we prepare for another Deco Records Residency gig at The Railway, one if the bands gracing the stage will be punk trio Exhalers and they dropped by for a quick chat ahead of their set.

MIMR: It’s my pleasure to have you on the blog, who are Exhalers and how best would you describe your sound?

Exhalers: Exhalers play energetic garagey punk. 3 of us, 2 guitars and a drummer. Shaun’s on drums. Tom’s on rhythm guitar. Rhys is on vocals and lead. We like to make loud noises.

MIMR: Thrilled to see on Deco Records showcase gig this friday, how do you prepare for gigs in general and who is the most organised?

Exhalers: Can’t wait for Friday, cheers for having us on the bill. Couple of pints and a practice. Most organised – definitely Tom.

MIMR: What’s your favourite thing about playing live?

Exhalers: Making a racket and going ballistic. It’s good shit.

MIMR: What’s been your most memorable gig so far you’ve played as a band?

Exhalers: Our gig at Haus a few weeks back was pretty sick – was packed out. A bunch of mates came down so it was great fun. One of our best performances too.

MIMR: Thanks again for chatting to us, have a great gig on friday, how can people follow you on social media?

Exhalers: All the medias. Follow all the medias. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, YouTube. @exhalersband. Keep an eye out for banging tunes on Spotify soon x

MIMR: Great to have you on the blog, tell us about the band and how best would you describe your music?

Yuka Tree: Plant punk

MIMR: Thrilled to see you on Deco Records latest line up this coming Saturday, how do you prepare for gigs and what’s the best thing about playing gigs?

Yuka Tree: We usually drive down with a discussion of which MP hasn’t resigned for the awful things they’ve done that week, intertwined with updates of recent times Joe has wet the bed, plus some frustration at not being able to contact Louis because he’s used up all his data watching The Mummy 2, again. We also put on and discuss songs or albums that we’ve each been listening to. There’s quite a range of musical interests in the band so that keeps things interesting and encourages us to expand our intake. When we get to the venue we’ll nip to the nearest shop for some tinnies and get in the mood.
The best thing about playing gigs is just getting up there and doing our thing, something that we’ve created together. It’s also nice to play in new places, seeing different communities.

MIMR: Looking ahead, what can we expect to see from you guys in the near future, more gigs, releases etc?

Yuka Tree: We’re currently finalising the release of our first single, with an independent label based in Manchester that has recently put out some great songs. We recorded it at The Warren Studios in Sheffield, with some great producers who worked on the recent Fat White Family album that was made there. It’s high energy social criticism and captures a lot of what we’re about. This was recorded back in July, so we’re really looking forward to sharing it now.

MIMR: We don’t like getting polictical on MIMR but it’s hard not to ignore the current shit-show that is going on. If you could write a song about any political subject or person what/who would it be and why?

Yuka Tree: A shit-show indeed. Some of our songs are quite political, with topics such as societal norms and inclusivity. One thing that I’ve been reading about recently, and is really important to refute, is this concept of fatalism. Which is the idea that things just are the way they are, that’s how they have always been, and there’s nothing we can do to change it. You only have to look back through recent history to see that’s clearly not the case, and that social change always comes from the bottom up. But this idea is a real barrier to political engagement, I’ve heard so many people I know talk like this. I think that’s probably a symptom of the interests of working class communities being systematically and repeatedly ignored. Anyway I reckon there’s a decent tune in there somewhere.

MIMR: Thanks for joining us on the blog, look forward to seeing you at the gig on Saturday. How can people follow you on social media?

Yuka Tree: Thanks for having us and taking an interest in new music. It’s encouraging to see new bands like Rodents who are doing something genuinely interesting, so it’s a pleasure to join the line-up for this one.

https://www.facebook.com/yukatreeband

https://www.instagram.com/yukatreeband/