MIEN

The Attic

Support: CRIG and Wedgy

Following the release of their second album ‘Miien’ on Fuzz Records, the supergroup Mien set off on a European mission to spread the good word of experimental psych rock. 

For those yet to be converted, Mien are made up of Alex Maas (Black Angels), John Mark Lapham (The Earlies), Rishi Dhir (Elephant Stone), and Robb Kidd (Golden Dawn Arkestra). This is therefore a band of heavy hitters in the psych rock world and its surrounding spheres who have combining their knowledge, skill, and talent to create something truly epic. The last time this much energy was pushed into a project, the world was bricking one that a black hole was going to open when the hadron collider was powered up.

On the second stop of their tour, Mien found themselves in the relatively new home of the Attic. By way of brief side note, those entering the venue for the first time will clock that it is in fact on ground level and there is no requirement to shimmy up a ladder to partake is some live delights. The reason for the name is that before being nestled in the coworking community of Neighbourhood, the Attic’s home was on Kirkstall Road in the roof space of Seagulls Paint (@seagullspaint). The new space works well for live events. There is a long, raised stage for everyone to get a good look at what’s going on, a thumping sound system that bounces the beats of the old brickwork, and a well-stocked bar nestled in the corner (including the nectar of the gods; Fritzcola!) 

In support of the titans of psych were CRIG and Wedgy; two Leeds-based bands who I had been eager to check out. The gig therefore had the groundwork to be a memorable one. 

First up was CRIG, the debut solo project from Craig Johnson of AUTOBAHN. Taking to the stage with a laptop for electric drum loops, an electric guitar, and a mic, Johnson was a one-man band ready to deliver. CRIG is certainly a divergence from the serious and dark post-punk energy of AUTOBAHN, but boy do I have time for it. Serving up numbers from his new self-title EP, the crowd was treated to a show of lo-fi goof. Covering subjects including the choice of coffin to be buried in to rat men allowed for both ends of the emotional spectrum to be covered to keep the audience guessing what direction the set would go in next. The sound overall reminded me of Jeffrey Lewis, but with an added Yorkshire wit and self-depreciation strapped to a drum machine backing. This is Johnson’s fun poke at the sing-songwriter tradition, and this should be the lens that it is viewed through. 

The reins were then handed over to Wedgy; a Leeds-based alt rock outfit. The group has been carefully added to by Will Wedgwood with each new addition strengthening the collective. Wedgy just days before the gig had released their latest single ‘I’ll Wait’ which joins a quickly expanding, and solid catalogue. In terms of Wedgy’s sound, echoey, melancholic lyrics are backed by catchy, fuzzed guitar riffs which in turn overlays a swirling mass of drums, bass, and synth. It’s a real melding of influences that creates a unique soundscape that absorbs you in the performance. Since the gig, Wedgy have released their new single ‘Agreed’ which is noisy, developed, and just an all-round tune! There may also be an EP out by the time Stub goes to print. Keep an eye on their socials and catch them if you can.

Next, the time had come to kneel at the altar of experimental psych rock. Psych rock, as a genre, is broad and can see you moving from The Dandy Warhols in one breathe to Kikagaku Moyo in another. This however leaves an open expanse for exploration into which Mien dive headfirst pulling you along for the ride. 

Opening with a moody, droning electronics the crowd was descended into the sonic world of Mien if they liked it or not. The sniffing salts of heavy riffs and pounding drums were then wafted under the crowd’s nose to make sure we were ready for the spectacle.

The first single from Mien’s new album ‘Evil People’ highlighted the lean of their second album more towards the heavier side of the psych spectrum and it was something to behold live. Alex Maas’ signature vocals powered out from behind his tilted forward baseball cap. 

The room itself was maybe at half capacity, with the crowd being thinned down to the hardcore psych explorers. The usual splattering of disrupters was therefore minimal. The closest point to commotion was a member of the crowd shouting to the stage that they had caught Mien last time they were in Leeds, which the band responded with a simple “Nice!”. The space also meant that you weren’t rubbing shoulders or sharing an immediate vicinity with anyone. Which, when coupled with an unusually warm late-April evening under a tin roof, made it feel like you were in your own little cocoon, wrapped up in a perfectly crafted soundscape away from the terrors of everyday life. It was utter bliss. 

The entire set was so awe inspiring and gaps between songs so fleeting that I completely forgot to take any pictures or videos for Stub after the end of the first song or note what songs were even played. At that moment I was there entirely for the music and nothing else was entering my mind which is a credit to Mien and the show they put on.

There was a 7-year gap between Mien’s albums so it may be a while until you, a recent convert to greatness, can see them again. Next time they do roll round though, grab the opportunity with both hands and let’s fill the room.                          

Words and pictures by The Editor. 

First picture: Mien, Second Picture: CRIG, Third Picture: Wedgy.