The Mysterines recently delivered an intimate live performance at a packed-out Rough Trade Nottingham ahead of the release of their much-anticipated sophomore album. LeftLion was there...
Propelled by the strong warbles of frontwoman Lia Metcalfe, The Mysterines found massive success in their first record, Reeling, in 2022. With the likes of Hung Up and Dangerous taking lead, the group undoubtedly turned a few heads with their drawling darkness of rock. Now, in the midst of an acoustic in-store tour, the group aim to do the very same with their follow-up album.
Despite there being no vinyls to sign due to a delay in production (thanks Taylor Swift!), excitement was still high to get a glimpse at one of the hottest alt-rock acts in the scene right now. Rife with exclusive new songs pulled from the record, the Liverpudlian four-piece swooned and crooned their way through an acoustic session to a full-capacity Rough Trade Nottingham crowd, sharing new flavours The Last Dance and Hawkmoon as well as familiar favourites Stray and Sink Ya Teeth from the new record.
On the record those songs are soaked in dark, electric energy: that moody but forceful sound, set off by Lia's distinctive vocal approach, which has come to define the band's style. It would be easy to doubt how well those tracks would work in a stripped back acoustic format: but the reaction from the crowd said it all, and illustrated the innate skill of the band.
There's really nowhere to hide in this type of performance, perhaps particularly so in Rough Trade's compact stage setting. But that was no barrier here.
A lurking presence that’s on the rise in rock, The Mysterines showed a prowess in music that is certainly not one to miss out on.
Released on 7th June, Afraid of Tomorrows sees the band reach new heights with their flurry of new noise, as they enter a strong festival season. They finish their signing spree in Manchester next week, hopefully with vinyls in their possession, before embarking to the fields of Upcote Farm for 2000 Trees in July, and Derbyshire’s Y Not Festival at the start of August (look out for LeftLion's coverage of that one!)
The Mysterines performed at Rough Trade on 13th June 2024.
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