Austin TX via Montreal psychedelic supergroup MIEN are today announcing the long-awaited new album ‘MIIEN’ and sharing their first new music in nearly seven years in the shape of lead single ‘Evil People’.
Comprised of Alex Maas (The Black Angels), Rishi Dhir (Elephant Stone), John-Mark Lapham (The Earlies) and Robb Kidd (Golden Dawn Arkestra), MIEN’s newly-announced second LP arrives April 18th on Fuzz Club and its fierce opening track is out everywhere now.
On ‘Evil People’, a blast of propulsive synthesised psych-rock, MIEN say: “‘Evil People’ has its roots in a 2015 collaboration between Alex and awesome Danish musician Trentemøller. Fast forward to March 2022, when MIEN reunited in Austin for three intense days of recording during SXSW. Given how rare it is for all of us to be in the same room at the same time, the creative energy was electric—music and ideas flowed effortlessly, and ‘Evil People’ was born.”
To mark their return, MIEN will be playing an intimate comeback show at The 13th Floor in Austin, TX on February 7th, followed by a UK/EU album tour over April and May.
In a landscape where the term ‘psych’ often feels confined and predictable, MIEN stands out as a beacon of true sonic exploration. Arriving April 18th 2025 on their new label home Fuzz Club, their long-awaited sophomore album ‘MIIEN’ marks a bold new chapter for a band whose alchemical approach to music has redefined the boundaries of psychedelia. Building upon the foundations of their critically acclaimed 2018 self-titled debut while venturing into uncharted territories, this new release pushes the group’s collaborative and exploratory ethos to thrilling new heights.
Since their inception, MIEN has been a confluence of diverse musical influences and shared histories. The seeds of this collaboration were planted back in 2004 when Rishi Dhir, known for his work with Elephant Stone, crossed paths with Alex Maas of The Black Angels during a serendipitous encounter at SXSW. This meeting sparked a friendship and a series of collaborations. Around the same time, Rishi met John Mark Lapham of The Earlies, whose electronic and production expertise would become a cornerstone of MIEN’s sound. Robb Kidd (Alex Maas, Golden Dawn Arkestra) joined the band on drums in 2018. These connections eventually led to the formation of MIEN, a band that seamlessly blends their varied musical backgrounds into a unique sonic tapestry.
Recorded between Montreal, Abilene and Austin, Texas, ‘MIIEN’ captures MIEN’s unique creative process. Most songs began as simple ideas—a loop, a vocal phrase, or a groove—passed between members and meticulously layered. John Mark Lapham, the band’s “musical alchemist,” transformed these sketches into fully realized compositions, adding bold textures and dynamic shifts. Alex Maas’s hauntingly beautiful vocals bring a dark yet alluring dimension to the sound, elevating each track with his distinctive presence.
The album’s genesis reflects MIEN’s boundary-pushing spirit. The band’s collaborative workflow sees individual sketches evolving as each member contributes their distinct sonic palette. “It’s an organic process,” notes Rishi Dhir. “A simple idea can become something monumental when we each put our stamp on it.” The creative journey was heightened during key in-person sessions, such as an intensive recording period in Austin during South by Southwest. These rare opportunities for the band to work together in the same space added a dynamic immediacy to several tracks.
‘MIIEN’ represents the strength of the band’s collective vision. Each member brings their unique perspective to the table, creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. With its richly textured soundscapes and fearless experimentation, the album bridges the golden age of ‘60s psychedelia with the cutting edge of modern music. Reflecting on the journey, John Mark notes, “Working with these guys has been one of the most enjoyable experiences in my music career. Our synergy is seamless, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes us.”
MIEN TOUR-DATES
28.04 Kola – Portsmouth, UK
29.04 The Attic – Leeds, UK
30.04 YES Basement – Manchester, UK
02.05 Where Else? – Margate, UK
03.05 Hope & Ruin – Brighton, UK
04.05 Moth Club – London, UK
07.05 Supersonic – Paris, FR
10.05 Fuzz Club Festival @ Effenaar – Eindhoven, NL
11.05 Import Export – Munich, DE
13.05 Kantine am Berghain – Berlin, DE
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