Leaving Normal: The Manhattan Love Suicides (2006-2009)
A few years ago I found a few young bands from the UK and USA who were reviving/updating the spirit of mid to late 80s noisy, minimalist, punked-up and shoe-gazing raw indie-pop as heard on early Jesus & The Mary Chain singles and all the bands rounded up as the C-86 & Sarah Records “movement” – something very dear to many of us in the local scene who played in early 90s bands such as Deflowered, Spiral Kinetic Circus, Static/United Colours of Frustration etc.
One of the best is a bunch from Leeds, THE MANHATTAN LOVE SUICIDES, or “was” THE MANHATTAN LOVE SUICIDES. According to their facebook fan page, the band had just split-up last Tuesday.
The Manhattan Love Suicides’ Kick It Back
Here’s what the split-up announcement stated: “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‚Ķ The Manhattan Love Suicides have decided to split.
The reason? Quite simple really: We’ve 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‚Äôs 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.”
To those who have discovered and love the band, this is quite a blow. To those who hasn’t, it’s rather late but do check them out. The band had just rereleased its debut (now, its sole album) in June. The hugely expanded CD is available from Squirrel Records, go here.
myspace.com/themls | All Music
Those who love genuine “indie-pop” and good music in general should go here for your daily dose.
