The Mease - High Definition (You ain't seen nothin') featuring Council Cut and The Dread Kaili
By DAFFS aka @TwoDaff
The Mease are the five-piece Derby based indie psych-pop outfit consisting of Tristan Cooper (Lead vocals/Guitar), Guy Smith (Lead guitar), Adam Goulding (Keys), Jon Wright (Drums) and Mo Hussain (Bass/percussion). They are one of the biggest followed new indie bands on the scene right now and are on a self-declared mission to bring back the golden era of indie rock n roll.
Their sound likened to such greats as The Coral, The Verve and early Oasis by such new music champions as BBC introducing where they were given the accolade of Record of The Week, and their last single was picked up by Spotify on the ‘Fresh Finds Rock’ editorial playlist.
The Mease released their explosive debut album ‘The World in High Definition’ in September, receiving rave reviews. For me it was one of my favourite albums of 2022. Well known for their signature catchy riffs and vocal melodies that stick in your head. Lyrically, frontman Tristan Cooper takes inspiration from everyday experiences, be it struggling to make it home from drunken nights out or the fallout from local tragedies.
The latest single in a string of highly critically acclaimed releases from the band is a genre-defying hook-fest featuring Stoke rapper Council Cut and psychedelic beatmaker The Dread Kaili. It’s a hip-hop infused indie psych-pop treat for the ears.
A hip-hop infused indie psych-pop treat for the ears.
High-definition features on the album but as a short instrumental, in itself its catchy so I was really pleased that the band decided to take it further and turn it into a single. I was surprised by the end product, it’s a perfect fusion. The single ‘High Definition (You Ain’t Seen Nothin’)’ was released digitally on Friday 20th January and is a definite curve ball (rather than change of direction) from the band. The band said about the single
“We had the idea to take this wicked instrumental piece from our album and turn it into a full track. It has a hip-hop vibe about it, so we got in touch with Council Cut to put a rap on it. He was diggin’ the tune and came up with this verse about how people obsess over their social media persona. The tune is about how you just see the world through a screen these days which is a bit messed up. But it’s alright as long you get the badge in! It’s definitely a bit genre defying but we liketo keep pushing the boundaries with our tunes. It’s the mod way isn’t it – keep innovating, keep surprising people.”
Opening with a deep grooving bass – line and a hip hop beat and the line “seeing the World in High definition” before the rap kicks in, it really takes their indie sound to another level, a perfect mix. It brings a fresh, upbeat modern take on the usual indie vibe. Its relevant and hits out at the media/touch screen obsession that people have these days. About time someone said it!
Takes their indie sound to another level
Its not all rap, it’s a heady mix of hip hop, psychedelic indie, still plenty of guitars infused with trippy drum beats, cutting lyrics and attitude. It sticks in your head, keeps it nodding and keeps you hooked. Its not 100 mph yet it has a deep laden energy with a Stone Roses vibe accentuated with Squiresque guitars and an Ian Brown attitude, its clever. I have found myself listening to this over and over. It’s a full on anthem, multi layered, and has a message that needs to be heard. Everyone is obsessed with selfies, get the right angle and get the badge in!
A deep laden energy with a Stone Roses vibe
For me this is a clever, fusion of genres and it works superbly. I am a big fan of The Mease, I like the traditional indie sound but the sound on this takes on another persona. Pushing boundaries, it’s an ideal tune for the likes of Soccer AM, in the car heading to the match or just blasting out at home. No pretence, it’s a happy go lucky rolling anthem packed full of melodies, catchy little riffs with an attitude displayed in the clever rap fusion. It’s the soundtrack to 2023. So put down your phones and switch on to The Mease cos you really aint seen nothing yet!
Clever rap fusion.
‘High Definition (You Ain’t Seen Nothin’)’ was written by Tristan Cooper, Guy Smith and Council Cut and was Recorded, mixed and produced by Tom J. Bath (aka The Dread Kaili) at UTC Studios in Stoke-on-Trent.
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