THE MIDNIGHT MARES
ARE
Matt Swayne - Vocals, Guitar
Elizabeth Reid - Vocals, Piano, Organ
Denni Meredith - Bass
with
BJ Barker - Drums (2023 - )
Pete Owen - Drums (2021-23)
The Midnight Mares was originally conceived as a recording project for songwriters Matt Swayne and Elizabeth Reid, who despite an extensive history in performing, writing, recording and touring, had yet to fulfill a longterm goal - a vinyl LP.
When the album debuted at #1 on SA’s Three D Radio chart of the station’s most played new releases, stayed at the top spot for 3 weeks, spent a total of 5 weeks in the top 5, and then landed at #7 in the station’s annual Top 101 of 2021, that could have signaled a mission accomplished.
However, the lure of the music proved hard to resist and it wasn’t long before live shows became part of The Midnight Mares’ story, as well as new songs and future recordings on the horizon. The Midnight Mares became not just the band or the eponymous album, it was now the theatre of the songs themselves.
Musically, The Midnight Mares believe in the magic of creating songs that can be both deceptively simple and mysteriously elusive. A timeless narrative of male and female vocals are accompanied by electric guitar, bass, drums, piano and hammond organ. The ingredients are classic and vintage, the result is elegant, alluring.
Influences are many, but feedback suggests the band is reminiscent of The Bad Seeds, The Cure, The Smiths and R.E.M., characterized as indie pop rock with memorable hooks, a cinematic nod and occasional epic interspersed with short & sharp gems.
Through their origins in Brillig and Reckoning, band members bring a confidence and calmness in their craft. Together, they share a background of international and national touring, festival stages, loyal fans and a large catalogue of recordings. The Midnight Mares has captured their imaginations, and so the journey continues.
Early Double A-side single Sparks | Empires debuted at #2 on Three D and highlights the band’s pop leanings with SPARKS described as “…a finely crafted song, its chorus is catchy as hell and the jangly guitars and keys form a lush bed for the vocals…” Sonic Vandals (music journalist)
The 2024 singles Anastasia | Boneyard Matinee also charted well on Three D with several weeks in the Top 20 and a height of #4 , with the band taking an edgier tone - leading one reviewer to describe them as “Gothic AC|DC".