Miien

In a landscape where the term ‘psych’ often feels confined and predictable, the Austin TX via Montreal supergroup Mien stands out as a beacon of true psychedelic exploration, redefining the boundaries of the genre with their innovative soundscapes and bold experimentation. Made up of The Black Angels frontman Alex Maas, Rishi Dhir (Elephant Stone), John Mark Lapham (The Earlies) and Robb Kidd (Golden Dawn Arkestra), the project’s long-awaited second album Miien is released via Fuzz Club. A tapestry of vivid third-eye visions and nocturnal serenades, Miien echoes the spirit of their 2018 self-titled debut Mien while venturing into uncharted territories. The band’s chemistry remains palpable, with each member contributing their unique sonic palette to create a cohesive yet exploratory sound. John Mark Lapham describes their creative process as an alchemical journey, where disparate influences from the likes of Nico, Neu!, and Led Zeppelin converge to form a sound entirely their own. Blending radiant groove-based propulsion with ambient dreamscapes, Miien offers up a transcendent experience that bridges the golden age of ’60s psychedelia with the present day. 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 world.