Serena-Maneesh - Revealed as new 4AD signing
09 November 09
Serena-Maneesh are (left to right from main image): Øystein Sandsdalen, Tommy Akerholdt, Emile Nikolaisen, Hilma Nikolaisen, Ådne Meisfjord.
4AD can today confirm reports that Serena-Maneesh have signed to the label and will be releasing their new album, their second proper, next March.
From Oslo, Norway, Serena-Maneesh released their self-titled debut album six years after forming in 2005 on local label HoneyMilk. They subsequently released an expanded version around the world the following year to much praise:
"They get it, their demeanor electric and alternating, built off antagonistic relationships. The band, like the instrument, are apt to prove noise and un-noise are of one cut." Pitchfork (8.6 - Best New Music)
“One of the most intriguing walls of sound since My Bloody Valentine circa Isn't Anything.” Uncut
"Serena-Maneesh make strangely beautiful and lushly noisy pop using guitars that are alternately washed out or shrieking, distorted samples, and breathy female vocals singing lyrics in broken English." Village Voice
“Listen loud: Fall apart smiling. It's that simple.” Drowned In Sound (9/10)
In between this release and next year’s follow-up, they put out SM Backwards (2008), a two-disc compilation of the band’s early and hard-to-find material dating from 1999 to 2003. More information on that can be found at the band's website. Their 4AD debut will be the first new material from the band in five years and more news on this to follow in the coming weeks.
Serena-Maneesh have extensive touring planned for the next year and have already confirmed the following shows:
28 November 2009 – Hulen, Bergen, Norway
2 December 2009 – Garage, Oslo, Norway
6th December 2009 – All Tomorrow’s Parties, Minehead, UK (Curated by My Bloody Valentine)
15th January 2010 – Eurosonic, Groningen, Netherlands
22nd January 2010 – Mercury Lounge, New York, USA
23rd January 2010 – Littlefield, New York, USA
19th February 2010 – by:Larm, Oslo, Norway
Check back in the coming weeks for more Serena-Maneesh news and further dates.