Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
What I am about to say most likely won’t apply to this group at this time next year. However, if today I mention the band Mandy Indiana to people in my circle, the vibe is IYKYK. The English-French noise rock band released their debut album, I’ve Seen a Way, this year which is landing itself on many, many “Top Albums” lists of 2023 including my own.
Their name is inspired by the town of Gary, Indiana with a slight personal tweak preferring the sound of Mandy, Indiana instead. To experience the sounds created in their album adds an additional layer of depth to their music where it’s nearly indescribable but really amazing (more specifically the body motions Scott Fair makes with his guitar). Lead singer, Valentine Caulfield’s vocals and lyrics have more of a presence on stage but not because she spot lit front/center which she isn’t. I wish I spoke French so I could possibly understand what she’s saying but similarly to the Icelandic band Sigur Ros’ lead singer Jonsi’s made up language Hopelandic, it really doesn’t matter.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
What is quite incendiary for me about this band is each member is equally present and the lack of lighting throughout the performance keeps it that way. At times the teamed up percussion coming from Simon Catling and Alex Macdougall are so commanding I feel like my heartbeat found itself in sync with them in a pure state of happiness (if that makes sense). When you think Caulfield might be leaving the stage to end the performance, she turns out in the midst of the crowd singing and kicking up mosh pits around her. This being the band’s first visit to the US, I’m excited to see what’s in store for them in the new year.
Check out photos from Mandy, Indiana’s Dec. 5 performance at the Empty Bottle in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Mandyindiana.band.
(Photos and recap by Josh Darr)
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
Mandy, Indiana performs at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2023.
