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From MySpace, in San Francisco
It is with great regret that I report the breakup of a band I hardly knew: The Manhattan Love Suicides. I regret it because, well, I only ever heard of the Leeds quartet earlier this year through a friend and loved what I heard on their MySpace page. A track like “Johnny Boy” had a Ramones/Jesus and Mary Chain feel to it injected with the sweet girl vocals of Caroline. (The band only used first names.) It was an exciting fusion of noise, and I wanted to know more. But I guess it just wasn’t meant to be anything longterm.
Here’s (briefly) how it all went down. In 2006, the band released its debut. Already, there were claims that the band was working on a second record. Then, in 2008, MLS released Burnt Out Landscapes, a 27-song collection of rare tracks. In June of this year, they rereleased their debut, complete with 11 extra tracks and a DVD. Again, it was said that the group would release its second album later this year. Fastforward to today, July 25. It doesn’t look like that new album is happening. The reason? In the band’s own words, “We’ve made our point.” Via MySpace bulletin, here’s the rest of what the band had to say:
After 3 years, 1 album, 6 singles, a 27 track compilation CD and a DVD, plus more hit and run, feedback and noise drenched 20 minute gigs than we can remember… The Manhattan Love Suicides have decided to split.
The reason? Quite simple really: We’d made our point.
Some bands form, and they keep going for many years. The Manhattan Love Suicides were never about that. We were never career driven; we just wanted to make an impact, like 4 sticks of dynamite thrown into a stale music scene. And in our own way, we did what we set out to do.
The music remains, and that is the most important thing. We’re all very proud of how much we did in the short time we existed. The last thing we ever wanted was to become stale. End it while it’s still fresh, while it’s still vital. While it still counts.
So, thanks to everyone who came to see us , to everyone who appreciated the music and to everyone who supported us. This is not the end: it’s just a new beginning. Adam and Rachel have formed The Medusa Snare and the debut album will be released by Squirrel Records soon, Caroline and Darren are contributing vocals and guitar respectively to Ailsa Craig, as well as working on new material together which will be released later in the year.
There’s not a whole lot of information on the band, but here’s a short, informative bio from All Music, which strangely enough cannot be found on allmusic.com.
Chris and Dexy
I recently heard these two lovebirds open for the Kills in Atlanta (which for, by the way, I will have a review shortly). They were the first of three bands, so although the crowd still a bit lean, it was respectably sparse.
Anyways, it’s this Nashville duo called Magic Wands, and there’s these big stuffed-animal tiger heads propped up to the side of Chris and Dexy. It all sounds weird and a bit lame… and to an extent, it is, but the music is definitely pretty good–some dancy beats fronted by some really loud guitars and resounding echoey vocals.
What is it comparable to? The first band that came to mind was the Jesus and Mary Chain, but listening to it now, that just sounds silly. No, there’s definintely Chain influence in there, but it’s far more restrained. I’m brain dead right now; who would you compare this band to? Take a listen at their MySpace and tell me what you think.
(Note: I can’t embed audio on this stupid thing unless I purchase an upgrade. We’ll see how this does before I do that.)
