i’ve seen a way is the debut album by Manchester quartet Mandy, Indiana.
Call it noise rock, call it experimental, call it anything but predictable. Mandy, Indiana’s i’ve seen a way is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Urgent, searing and downright confrontational, this is one of 2023’s most important albums to date. And let’s not forget it’s a debut…
I’ve Seen a Way
During the first few seconds of opening track “Love Theme (4K VHS)”, you’ll hear some splashing. That’s the sound of a cave diver interrupting the band’s recording session in Wookey Hole Caves. That’s right, a cave. Soon you feel as though you’re settling down to watch a sci-fi film, such is the cinematic soundscape created by the synth.
Not looking to grant anyone much comfort, Many, Indiana immediately flip the script and toss the listener headfirst across the dance floors of hell. The droning distress call and bouncy beat of “Drag (Crashed)” act only as a facade; when the wall comes down the song descends into glorious, in-your-face, close your eyes and hope for the best madness.
“Pinking Shears” and “Injury Detail”, both released as singles, follow and push their own boundaries. Clattering drums (Alex Macdougall) and abrasive electronics (Simon Catling) reign supreme on these tracks, although Valentine Caulfield’s vocals are not to be underappreciated. Her delivery throughout i’ve seen a way is memorable at every turn.
Further along the album we encounter “The Driving Rain (18)” and “Iron Maiden”. While the former features autotuned vocals and a deep bassline, the latter utilises a heavily distorted and eerie guitar line and in doing so, shows how Mandy, Indiana defy any rules around genre. Speaking to The Quietus earlier this year, guitarist and producer Scott Fair said, “What this record is trying to achieve, is to bring together things that aren’t necessarily familiar.” Mission accomplished.
Sandwiched between the aforementioned tracks is “2 Stripe”. This song returns the listener to the likes of “Drag (Crashed)” and “Pinking Shears” as the band tease tempos and sounds. Again, a foreboding feeling strikes and becomes a nightmare before abandoning you in its realm of delirium. “Peach Fuzz” – Caulfield recorded the intro scream in a shopping centre, by the way – boasts a dance-banger beat alongside Caulfield’s howls. Somehow, again, Mandy, Indiana just make it work.
As i’ve seen a way wraps up with the tracks “(ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:♪・゚’☆ (Crystal Aura Redux)” and “Sensitivity Training”, you’re left to collect yourself from the wreckage. Enthralling from start to finish, it’s 37 minutes worth putting your senses through. The hard truth is, however, that it only gets better with each listen.
Keep up with Mandy, Indiana
Find out more about Mandy, Indiana on Instagram and the Fire Talk website.
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