Talked about and talked-up Manchester newcomers, Moss Side Sauna Club, is a band born in a bad year, thus Will Brooks, Maddy Storm and Sam Craighan decided to take up arms against the pains of the world through the use of sauna therapy. Out of the steam room, briefly, the band returns to release their latest single, My Weird Appetite.
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Anyone can enjoy the benefits of a sauna, which include, but are not limited to: the easing of pain, deeper sleep, increased confidence and stronger libido. In the wake of micro trends, Moss Side Sauna Club (abbreviated to MSSC for the low-attention-span-era) sound like no other band. Defined by their blend of woozy guitars, digitally distorted production, emotive harmonies and morbid sense of humour, the hype-generating trio turn turbulence into unsettlingly hooky pop motifs about love, death and sexuality.
Where have you heard that song before? Amidst such confusion the band released their first ever single, Freak, back in October, re-setting the blueprint for the familiar, kinked indie dancefloor banger. Soaked beneath a cascade of attention, the spotlight has remained fixed on what they’ll do next.
The band’s vehicle of choice this time around is a banging electro-clash bass line straight from MySpace-era M.I.A, carrying the songwriting and performances from tongue-in-cheek queer satire to heartfelt confessionalism, all loosely wired into a trippy, digital landscape. An accompanying video collages the band’s inception in VHS format, from behind-the-scenes candids to footage of them dressed for The Oscars in their favourite local. MSSC are blending artifice and emotion in a way that feels both curated and deeply personal.
“MSSC is a three-piece band and we’ve known each other for years,” say MSSC in an introductory explainer. “We came together to make an album during the worst times of our lives instead of going to therapy. The project came as a heat stroke induced fever dream as Sam desperately tried to feel good again in his local leisure centre. It’s been downhill ever since.”
Prolific in the studio and on the live circuit despite the much-desired distractions of a circling and swooping music industry, there is an MSSC album written and ready to go and eyes are fixed on a deadline-day deal. Recent episodes of leaving the house have seen MSSC play their sold out, debut headline show at The Rat and Pigeon in Manchester and happily commit to a showcase for Find Joy at The Old Blue Last in London. All three members are pestering Kylie Minogue, separately and as a cohesive unit (phone, email, DM etc.) for a support slot but still no replies.
With their troubles in tow, Moss Side Sauna Club are ready to gather their sorrows and dance around the bonfire as they burn. The sauna is a communal space and all with a heavy heart are welcome to share the warmth.
MSSC’s design and visual direction has been completed by Jenny Faulks, with the video seen to its glorious conclusion by the band in collaboration with Harry Green. The single itself was written, recorded and produced by MSSC in Steam Room Studios, Salford. Mixed by Maddy Storm, My Weird Appetite was mastered by Pete Maher (Lana Del Rey, The 1975, Pixies).
Connect with Moss Side Sauna Club:
Insta - @moss.side.sauna.club
TikTok - @moss.side.sauna.club