On one hand, Miguel Mendez is just a laid back guy from Brooklyn via LA, drinking some beers with friends and writing songs about it. On the other hand, he is an amazingly compelling and talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and performer. Miguel grew up in Long Beach County, and his music reflects the good vibrations of both West and East coasts. His debut solo album, “My Girlfriend Is Melting” has been recently released on I and Ear records to rave reviews.
Accurate or not, Miguel’s songs and singing have garnered comparison to Neil Young, Beck, Elliott Smith, and Skip Spence. Whether he agrees with these comparisons is irrelevant. He is falls into this tier of musicians, with a unique and unmistakable sound. "My Girlfriend Is Melting" will monopolize your mind for months.
Miguel’s sudden rise is not, however, unexpected. “My Girlfriend Is Melting” may be his debut full length (he also had a 7-inch on Deathbomb Arc), but his supporting credits are considerable. His old friends in Dios (Malos) covered his song “You Got Me All Wrong,” and landed it on “The O.C” soundtrack last year (Miguel’s original version appears on his new record). He also sometimes plays with Love As Laughter, Farmer Dave (Beachwood Sparks, All Night Radio), Tiffany Anders, and J Mascis.
These days Miguel can usually be found tending bar at Kate’s Joint in NYC’s East Village (classic vegetarian fare, though Miguel was recently spotted eating a cheese steak at Jim’s in Philadelphia), or playing shows at nearby clubs like the Mercury Lounge and Tonic. He just finished up a “mini-tour” with Dios (Malos), playing with his new band. A more electric/psychedelic version of his album sound, the band sounds like Crazy Horse on a rampage, and features Andy Macleod on drums (White Magic, Bright Black, Early Man), Scott Lenhardt on bass (Butt Pie), and Robbie Lee “Watkins” on keyboards (The Dreaming Habit, “Sleep, Memory”).
2006 will see more extensive national touring for “My Girlfriend Is Melting,” the further development of his new band, and a tentative split EP with Joel Morales from Dios.
“gorgeous and disquieting” - Entertainment Weekly (for real!)
“a laidback combination of experimental avant-folk and stoner rock” - The Red Alert
