Formed in 2016 Better Than Mending combine elements of post-hardcore, screamo and post-rock with a live show that incorporates sweeping soundscapes and cathartic emotional aggression.
2017’s Uprooted EP was produced by Lewis Johns (Rolo Tomassi, Employed to Serve, Bastions) and saw them playing alongside Palm Reader, Terrible Love, Arcane Roots and more.
Their new Desire Lines EP, due for release February 1st, recorded by Joe Clayton (Earth Moves, Pijn) pushes a darker, progressive sound with doom laden break downs and charging hardcore energy.
Better Than Mending will be touring the UK and Europe to promote Desire Lines alongside the video for the first single Provider in early 2019.
We managed to catch up with the band as they talk about their upcoming EP and more!
So how pumped are you for the release of Desire Lines?
Yeah really looking forward to getting it out there! We recorded it back in May so it’s been a long time coming!
How different is this to Uprooted?
We wrote this in a similar way to uprooted but with more thought on creating an atmosphere. We have a new bass player, Mikey, who has really helped with creating soundscapes and he’s a tight player! Mikey and Gwion spent a lot of time trying to achieve the right sound tonally. I think it’s a step up for us, it’s heavier with more soundscapes and more mature.
Can you tell us something about the EP no one else knows?
Before recording we’d never heard Mikey sing, then in the studio he just went in the booth randomly and smashed it!
What’s your favourite track on the EP?
Ah that’s a difficult one as we tried to write the tracks so they flow coherently. One of our favourites is probably “an epilogue” it’s fun to play and think it’s a massive climax as the end of the EP.
What’s the music scene like in Bath and Bristol at the moment?
It’s good! The Exchange in Bristol was under threat of closure but there was crowdfunding which means they can stay open, which is amazing! We’ve played with some great bands recently like Phoxjaw and Punch On who are both from Bristol.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Well we recorded the EP with Joe Clayton. He plays guitar in Pijn, who have a really interesting approach to their music and the instruments in the band. Plus, he is super easy to work with and very knowledgeable.
Can you tell us anything about your shows in 2019?
Yeah we’ve got more shows booked in the 1st three months than we’ve played in 2018! We have several tours coming up including a UK and Euro tour with the Swiss band Glaston!
Will you be playing at many festivals in 2019 or anything planned?
Fingers crossed!