The Mysterines share single ‘Stray’ and tell us about “unapologetic” new album ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’

nme.com:

The Mysterines have announced their second album ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’ and shared lead single ‘Stray’. Check it out below, along with an exclusive interview with singer Lia Metcalfe.Due for release June 7, ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’ is the follow-up to 2022’s debut album ‘Reeling’ and follows on from a stint supporting Arctic Monkeys in UK stadiums last summer.“It’s almost feels like it would have made more sense if our albums were released the other way round,” Metcalfe told NME, with ‘Reeling’ focussing more on massive hooks and big singalongs while ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’ sees the band leaning more on their psych, grunge and alternative influences.“I prefer to create a more intimate connection with fans rather than blowing their heads off with a huge riff.

That’s fun, but it’s not why I listen to music and we’ve really embraced that with ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’.”She continued: “‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’ holds a lot of darkness and there’s more weight to it than ‘Reeling’, which was driven by character and narrative.

I didn’t want to be so literal this time around. There’s a lot of fear and paranoia across the record, but it takes you on a journey to the title track, which sees us trying to end things on a happier note.

I just want fans to know this album has come from a very honest place.”Lead single ‘Stray’ was written after The Mysterines “re-indulged” in the music that shaped their childhood and was inspired by 2022 film Meet Me In The Bathroom, which explored the New York scene of the ‘90s and ‘00s through bands like The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem and Interpol. “We wanted to create a song that would fit in that world,” said Metcalfe. “The documentary followed our favourite bands as they experienced massive highs.