Galway band In Athens have released their new single, Or Anything. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Released on Galway label Blowtorch Records, the track is from their upcoming EP Mirrorism, which will be followed by Irish tour dates.
"There's nostalgia in what we do, for sure - 90s alternative tones, a bit of shoegaze sprinkled here and there - but it’s not about looking back," the band says.
"We’re interested in contrast. Warmth and detachment. Collapse and control. We like when things feel familiar yet slightly off, in the same way that a vivid, lucid dream can sometimes feel."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Manolis Pates: Formed initially by our drummer Mosey as an excuse to play something darker/heavier with all his favourite musicians. When that didn't work out, he ended up with us!
We played our first show supporting punk legends Cherym.
While recording our EP with Dan Doherty in Darklands studio, our sessions happened to fall between times that Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star was also using the studio. It was incredible - her music is a huge inspiration to us!
How would you describe your music?
Grainne Bleasdale: Expansive yet intimate, hazy yet defined, futuristically nostalgic and forever twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Manolis: From Autolux, head straight across to Rowland S Howard Street, once you see DIIV, take a left at Just Mustard, and head straight on. If you've hit the desert, you've gone too far.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Mosey Byrne: First gig was Iron Maiden at the Point in 2006. I was 15 and went with my girlfriend at the time and her Dad. The hotel double booked our room so I had to share a bed with the father, which was fairly awkward! I got to see the band again this year in Malahide and 19 years later, they still got it. I think her Dad was at it too!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Brian Ruane: The Prodigy’s Fat Of The Land. The video for Firestarter was all over MTV at the time and, at 10 years old, I'd never seen anything so weird and dangerous. I bought the album on cassette with some pocket money and used to listen to it in the car until my parents eventually bought me a Walkman!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Grainne: Songs Ohia - Farewell Transmission.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Manolis: "I want something good to die for, to make it beautiful to live" - Go With The Flow by QOTSA.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mosey: Probably Terry Reid's Seed Of Memory. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Terry before his show in Galway in 2011, and again after his show in London in 2024. He sadly passed away in August right when he was due to tour again, RIP to one of the greats.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our IG @inathensband seems to be where most activity happens.
Alan Corr
