Austin TX via Montreal psychedelic supergroup MIEN are today sharing a second glimpse at their forthcoming album ‘MIIEN’, out April 18th via Fuzz Club. The album release comes just ahead of UK and mainland European live dates this Spring – dates below.
Comprised of Alex Maas (The Black Angels), Rishi Dhir (Elephant Stone), John-Mark Lapham (The Earlies) and Robb Kidd (Golden Dawn Arkestra), today the group follow recent track ‘Evil People‘ with another new cut and accompanying visuals. On ‘Empty Sun‘ zooming synths, driving guitars and intricate beats collide for a heady space jam.
“Like many of our songs, ‘Empty Sun’ began as a series of loops paired with a lyric-less vocal demo from Alex” the band comment. “From there, Alex and Robb laid down the initial ideas before passing it along to the rest of us. The track sat untouched for a while until John Mark revisited it, shaping it into something new with distinct sections, samples, and layers of Solina string machine. To lock in the groove, Robb returned to the studio, recording what felt like countless drum takes to perfect the complex patterns and make them as “mean” (MIEN) as possible. As the track evolved, Rishi teamed up with Elephant Stone guitarist Robbie to layer in massive, warped guitar textures that brought “Empty Sun” roaring to life.”
In a landscape where the term ‘psych’ often feels confined and predictable, MIEN stand out as a beacon of true sonic exploration. Their long-awaited second 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
Thoughts Words Action 