Punk cross-over wild cards Midwich Cuckoos have announced the
addition of new lead singer Mel Hassan. Mel joins this busy band of misfits for a
string of fresh live dates and a brand new album project. Bringing a distinctly
different sound into the mix, we can expect more high octane tunes, big riffs and killer
choruses, with some unexpected velvety tones in the mix too.
After an extensive but enjoyable audition process, the London based punk /
rock / metal outfit welcome Mel Hassan as newly appointed front woman. We
asked each Cuckoo to comment briefly on the line up change…
Guitarist Patch Barbet explains…
“Mel was introduced to us by a mutual friend, the lovely ‘Sophie Woodard’ – DJ
at Rebel Gurl Radio. Sophie thought that her friends lively character and velvety
tones could be the perfect match to compliment the Cuckoos infectious
melodies and trademark Fleetwood Mac style group harmonies”.
Mel – Lead Vocals
“I’m so excited to play my first shows with the band. It’s been so much fun
already and I feel that I’m right where I’m supposed to be! The guys in the band
have loads of cool ideas and creative energy. I had slightly underestimated the
number of WhatsApp messages it takes just to arrange a rehearsal with x6
band members, but it’ll all be worth it when I’m shaking my ass at Rebellion
Festival this year!”
Lesley-Anne O’Brien – Guitar / vocals
“It’s an exciting time for us, some epic new tracks in the making with some
fresh recordings and a live session planned with our good friend ‘Tim Kramer’
sound engineer / producer over at Signal House Studios”.
Ben – Bass
“Mel completely blew us away at her audition. Great vocal control delivered
with a cool confidence. We were searching for something different and Mel
brought an unexpected and original style into the mix. We all looked up as the
energy in the room noticeably stepped up a gear the moment she started
singing”
Dan – Drums
“We were honoured to have the powerhouse that is ‘Lisa Kekaula’ from the
mighty ‘Bellrays’ as guest vocalist on our ‘Death or Glory’ album track ‘Blood
Mother’, this collaboration really opened us up to the possibilities of
incorporating soulful, bluesy vocals alongside heavy guitars and drums”.
Rob – Guitar / Vocals continues…
“Mel very much adds to the high energy we have as a band and we can’t wait to
bring it to the forthcoming live shows. She happens to speak fluent German
which should make for some interesting crowd interaction at our German
festival appearance in June! Mel has an awesome persona and her vocal
melodies are gonna stick in your head for days!”
Catch Midwich Cuckoos at a live show:
Sat 27th May – Blondies / London
Fri 23rd June – Youth Brigade Festival – Dortmund Germany
Sat 5th Aug – Rebellion Festival / Blackpool