Sun Mahshene
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Sun Mahshene emerged in 2018, breathing new life into the Indie and Shoegaze scenes. Comprising six diverse members from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Poland, Sun Mahshene provides a musical journey that transcends genres. ‘Post-Shoegaze’ for the masses.
In 2020, the band unleashed the "Contradictions & Tales of Fiction" EP, a sonic exploration that left audiences craving more. Following the EP's success, including track “Leave This City” (42k Spotify streams), next single “The Righteous One” was accompanied by a mind-bending music video, directed by award-winning visual artist Ste Murray.
Sun Mahshene next released a special LP titled "Space Echoes: The EPs", a compilation of tracks from their previously released EPs. The limited-edition vinyl sold out in one day, a testament to the band's dedicated fanbase and the allure of their music.
Having graced the stage at Electric Picnic, Ireland's largest music festival, Sun Mahshene showcased their live act with headline shows (including Whelan’s and The Workman’s Club), which solidified their presence in the hearts of music enthusiasts.
September 2023 marked the release of the single "Reverie", which immediately went on rotation on Amazing Radio UK (winning an online vote to make the playlist), BBC Radio 1, BBC Across The Line, Radio X, and across Irish radio (RTE 2FM, 98FM). The high-energy video has now reached over 32k views on YouTube.
Second single “New Shores'' immediately picked up radio play on BBC, RTE, and once again won the online "audition poll" on Amazing Radio UK. "New Shores" is the perfect follow up to “Reverie”; energetic yet reflective, providing a glimpse into the sonic odyssey that awaits listeners with the highly anticipated debut LP, "A Place We've Never Been”. This promises to be a culmination of the band's artistic evolution, mastered by Mark Gardener of Ride. His expertise at the controls sets the stage for the album to captivate music fans in summer 2024.
Their debut album on the horizon released on August 23rd alongside the focus track 'Turning Tide'
Sun Mahshene now hopes to keep building their momentum and growing audiences on their home turf in Ireland and really tackling music scenes globally by storm with aspirations to play big festivals and bigger venues in the future.
My Bloody Valentine - To Here Knows When
An obvious one to start with. What shoegaze band hasn’t heard Loveless and been inspired by it?? The sheer volume of the guitars across that album is unique and very difficult to pull off – Kevin Shields really knows what he’s doing in the studio. It’s also great that they haven’t released a ton of material, he’ll only put stuff out when he’s ready. So you know he’s a true artist. This track is like nothing else anyone has released before or since, just a blur of sound but within it you have this beautiful melody.
Ride - Future Love
Another one of the OG shoegaze bands, Ride have done everything from noise experimentation to Byrdsian folk rock back to synth driven modernity. I’d even say their newer albums are their peak – certainly they were a huge influence on our new album. Not being afraid to draw on the past while introducing the new, they really pulled off how to do a comeback. And the fact we got [vocalist and guitarist] Mark Gardener to master our album was a dream come true.
The Jesus And Mary Chain - Head On
Their signature blend of noise pop and alternative rock, always showed you can do distorted guitars, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics without alienating the listener. This track highlights the band’s ability to merge abrasive sounds with pop sensibilities.
Oasis - D’You Know What I Mean
Be Here Now is a much maligned album for obvious reasons. But it was the sonic bombast of that album that helped lay the foundation for the Sun Mahshene sound. We wanted to use the same multi-layered approach but in a more refined way. And minus the mountains of cocaine. D’You What I Mean epitomises that sound. A fantastic tune, reaching for something bigger. Lots of interesting layers for the listener to pick out.
Slowdive - Star Roving
We were always fans of Slowdive and it was great for them to get the recognition they got after they reformed, having been pariahs in the music press in the 90s. Like Ride, they’ve also taken their sound and done something different with it, adding synths and drum loops and less guitars, but still sounding like themselves. They’ve become really popular with a new generation of fans, which is great for the shoegaze genre.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Servo
For us, this is one of their standout tracks. Their ability to channel the spirit of 1960s rock while infusing it with their own unique sensibilities. It epitomises the band’s blend of neo-psychedelia, garage rock, and indie influences. Watching the Dig documentary and seeing these guys play lit a fire for us.
The Dandy Warhols - Be-In
Another wonderful piece of neo-psychedelia that helped shape the Sun Mahshene sound. The song has an almost hypnotic quality that keeps rolling on with a massive chorus. Again, their blending of retro influences with modern production techniques created a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
A Place To Bury Strangers - Keep Slipping Away
Exploding Head was our first introduction of this band. We had been told that they’re the loudest band in the world. And going to see them live justified that. Incredible, intense, vitriolic. This songs intense production and haunting lyrics make it a standout piece that captures the essence of the band’s unique sound. Another element of our modus operandi is to be louder than everyone else. Seeing these guys led the way for us.
Smashing Pumpkins - Hummer
This is the quintessential Smashing Pumpkins track. It plays to all of their strengths - great songwriting, great musicianship, the perfect balance between thick heavy guitars and dreamy ambient moments. They aren’t afraid to stretch out and let the music do the talking; it’s almost like the words don’t matter. We’ve taken a lot from that approach, to get that balance of sounds, so it’s not just one dimensional in either direction. A great lesson on how to layer guitars on a recording.
New Order - Crystal
Peter Hook’s lead bass really drives this song, it’s melodic and catchy and it adds something to the song without being overindulgent. It’s also a great blend of their guitar and bass driven sound adding ambient elements and drum loops without losing any of their signature raw guitar based feel. It manages to sound like it’s been around for years and still sound modern even now.
