Description
#mandy,indiana #vinyl #vinylrecords
English-French noise rock band Mandy, Indiana is set to make waves with their second studio release, “URGH”, scheduled to drop in February 2026. Formed in 2018 when members from Manchester and Berlin united, this innovative group has established a distinct identity in the music scene. The lineup, featuring Valentine Caulfield on vocals and lyrics, Scott Fair on guitar and production, Simon Catling on synths, and Alex Macdougall on drums, brings a diverse blend of influences, drawing from their unique backgrounds. Caulfield, originally hailing from Paris, delivers her powerful lyricism entirely in French, a choice that accentuates the band’s artistic authenticity.
URGH comes on the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album, “I’ve Seen a Way”, which was released in 2023 and featured a unique recording process that included sessions in a cave and a crypt in the West Country. Building on the momentum from their previous work, the upcoming album was primarily crafted during a residency in a secluded studio house near Leeds, with the final recordings taking place in the vibrant atmospheres of Berlin and Greater Manchester. The creative energy during this period was heightened by personal challenges faced by two of its members, showcasing their resilience and commitment to their art.
Thematically, URGH is described as a commentary on self-determination and societal issues that resonate deeply with listeners today. Combining elements of noise rock and industrial sounds, the album encapsulates a visceral experience that challenges the listener to confront discomfort while finding beauty amid chaos. Tracks such as “Magazine” and “ist halt so” reflect the band’s unapologetic stance on issues like systemic indifference and toxic masculinity, while also channeling urgency into their music. The contrasting textures throughout the album evoke the stylish complexity often associated with bands like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, whose influences can be felt in Mandy, Indiana’s sonic landscape.
Notably, the artwork for URGH, crafted by the artist Carnovsky, complements the album’s introspective themes with striking visual metaphors, featuring an anatomical drawing that accentuates the album’s focus on the physicality and emotional depth within the music. As Mandy, Indiana continues their exploration of these concepts, they ensure that their sound remains both captivating and reflective of contemporary societal struggles. The band’s innovative approach transcends traditional genre boundaries, pushing noise rock into new territories while keeping the underlying urgency intact.
The band has always been innovative in their releases, having previously dropped memorable singles like “Nike of Samothrace” and “Bottle Episode,” which have garnered a dedicated following. With “URGH”, they are poised to elevate their sound further, delivering an intense blend of rhythmic creativity and lyrical depth. Their ability to oscillate between frantic energy and haunting beauty ensures that each track is not only an auditory experience but a visceral journey that resonates long after the music stops.
As anticipation builds for their latest effort, Mandy, Indiana’s dedication to producing unfiltered art keeps them at the forefront of the noise rock genre. URGH stands as a testament to their growth as musicians, embodying both a fight against the personal and collective struggles they encounter. In a world that often feels fragmented, this album serves as both a statement of defiance and a beacon of hope, urging listeners to reflect deeply on their own experiences and the world around them.
