As a quick nightcap to a breakout year—in the midst of a second nightcap of sorts, which was their impressive collection of year-end accolades—the international dance-punk noisemakers Mandy, Indiana touched down in the States last month for a week-long, four-set tour that hit both coasts with a stop in Chicago in between. Despite the record dropping way back in May, the clamorous industrial sounds of I’ve Seen a Way still feel a few decades ahead of the curve—if even terrestrial.
With a few individual UK shows and festival appearances already announced for 2024, Mandy, Indiana already seems rearing to get back on the road—yet before that happens we asked the group to take us back to their recent string of dates spanning NYC, Chicago, LA, and San Francisco (the latter for a Popscene event, co-run by our very own Aaron Axelsen) with a behind-the-scenes look at their chaotic week in the US full of overpriced pints, wild animals (see: house cats), and poorly timed ailments.
Read their words on the journey and find their artistically shot film photos below.
Excited/Nervous energy in Manchester airport before our 18-hour journey to New York City—oww! From left to right, we are Simon, Valentine, Scott, and Alex (behind the camera).
Scott grabbing a nap in the warming glow of a 7-ElevenGO machine. Don’t be fooled, this ain’t no USA—this is our five-hour transfer in Copenhagen.
Waking up in our lavish Brooklyn pad—our home for four nights. The bathroom was ridiculous. It had an ornamental, rippling steel/mosaic bathtub which someone must have crafted for weeks (not pictured here, but just to say: we respected the vision).
Seizing the day—heading out in search of food, primarily, then MoMA.
Too cool for school. We know it’s a cliché, but everything in New York makes you feel like you’re in a film.
Later that night, we were lucky enough to go see LCD Soundsystem play to a home crowd (thanks Adam!). They play all the hits and are still killing it. Pints are $12 and that killed my wallet.
Strangely I have no photos from gig day at Baby’s All Right, but we agreed it might just be the best show we’ve ever played. We didn’t know what to expect with an NYC (New York Crowd), but people hit it hard and we had a blast.
Walking around Greenpoint on the way to the Fire Talk record shop, we spy a pack of wild animals in the window of a weed shop. New York is treacherous, be careful.
Looking across East River toward uptown Manhattan from the ferry jetty. Us rookies forgot to buy a ticket before boarding. Kind ferry operator leaves without us.
Apparently everyone has their spot for the best pastrami sandwich in town. We went with my friend Zach’s, which led us to Pastrami Queen on Lexington/East 78th. The Queen did not disappoint.
Goodbye New York, we will be back soon for sure!
Touchdown in Chicago. We are pretty blown away by its skyline. We have an obscene breakfast at Yolk.
We head to Shuga Records for a record signing before playing that night at Empty Bottle with support from the brilliant Mass. The venue is fantastic, but guarded by more wild animals—a fully grown cat about the size of a small dog [Editor’s note: shoutout Peg]. Another great, great show. Feeling very lucky to be here.
We arrive late in Los Angeles—this was the view from our rooftop. On the other side during the day you could make out the Hollywood sign. We’ve gone from sharing two bunk beds in a small room in Chicago to having a double bed each here… These differences matter. Especially seeing as two thirds of the band are battling a fever by this point.
It’s bizarre going from temperatures of around zero degrees [32 Fahrenheit] to 23 [74 Fahrenheit] within the same country. The weather in LA is very welcome. After eating some fish tacos, we play The Echo with support from Touching Ice, who joined us in San Francisco the following day. Another great show.
A memorable addition to our trip is getting to hang out with Jake, our driver for this leg, and whose band lent us gear for the two shows in California. Truly a wonderful dude with the best choice of travel snack (Funfetti Muddy Buddies!).
Jonathan [Snipes] from clipping. recommended Kettleman City as a stop off between LA and SF. It’s a small village with a ranch-style cowboy shopping center with saloon doors. But more to the point, it’s the only place along the route that has an In-N-Out Burger. We try the secret menu. Simon gets a new hat.
Across the Oakland Bay Bridge and into San Francisco to play our final show, at Brick & Mortar.
By the end of our extensive four-date tour we climb a tree in search of better health, find nothing, and so walk to Haight-Ashbury, visiting Amoeba Records, a café, and numerous second-hand clothes shops. Nourished, we make our way back home to Europe.
Well, that’s all folks. A great tour. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us—it means a lot. We hope to see you again soon.
