Quick-fire Questions: 10 minutes with Middleman
As the world teeters on the edge of a bottomless chasm from which there will be no return, there has never been a better time for gritty, pulsating punk. Of course, since its inception, the genre has constantly been the finest outlet for rage and dejection, but the need for such an all-encompassing sonic sanctuary has been reaffirmed as of late, with a crop of bands stepping forth and offering us immense release as the mire crashes against our spirits and dear old institutions. One group that has been doing so in London is Middleman.
I first caught them last year supporting Militarie Gun as part of their blistering set at The George Tavern and have been keeping a close eye ever since. Playing a host of shows with the likes of Island of Love, Glitterer, Hotline TNT, Powerplant, High-Vis and many other heavy-hitters, they’ve wasted no time getting stuck in and asserting themselves in the capital’s scene. Fusing old-school hardcore and three-chord punk with the early dissonance of Sonic Youth, the quartet have a definite sound whereby good old-fashioned songwriting and a DIY ethic take precedence over the often hollow contemporary ornamentation. This is proper music that resonates.
Presently, the quartet, comprised of vocalist/guitarist Noah Alves, bassist Harper Maury, drummer Lily Pym and newly added second guitarist Rory White, are gearing up to release their EP John Dillinger Died for You on April 19th via their very own Evil Speaker Records. They’ve already released the scuzzy ‘Falls Apart’, which aptly sets the scene for what’s to come in their latest body of work.
Given that Middleman are set to have such a momentous year and take things up a gear once more, they were perfectly suited to answer our quick-fire questions. From big opinions about sunglasses on stage to the legacy of The Beatles, there’s ample here that offers insight into the melting pot of one of the UK’s most exciting punk bands.
Find the answers below.
Quick-fire Questions with Middleman:
1. What song would you want played at your funeral?
Noah: “The Curb Your Enthusiasm theme.”
Lily: “The Rocky theme.”
Harper: “‘Free Bird’.”
2. What was the best album of 2023?
Noah: “MJ Lenderman – And The Wind (Live and Loose!).“
Lily and Rory: “The Lemon Twigs – Everything Harmony.“
3. Do you believe in UFOs?
Rory: “Yeah, but I don’t think they’re here yet, but when they get here, they’re not gonna be like us one bit.”
Harper: “Definitely. I’m pretty fascinated with the story of Jim Sullivan. He sang songs all about aliens and UFOs and then disappeared. I think the aliens got him. Also, my friend Cher saw a UFO on her way to an Incubus concert.”
Lily: “Yes.”
4. What’s your favourite comfort movie?
Noah: “There’s Something About Mary.“
Harper: “Easy Rider.”
Rory: “The Lord of the Rings.
5. Where’s the weirdest place you woke up?
Rory: “Noah’s parents’ bedroom.”
Lily: “Under the washing blanket on the stairs landing.”
Harper: “Andorra.”
6. What’s one gig in history you’d time travel to be at?
Noah: “Any Neil Young show in the ’70s.”
Lily: “Vivaldi Four Seasons circa 1725.”
Harper: “Grateful Dead – Cornell 5/8/77.“
Rory: “Woodstock (hasn’t specified which one).”
7. Where’s the best pub in the world?
Noah: “The Shacklewell Arms.”
Lily: “The Kentish Drovers.”
8. What was the first song you learnt to play?
Noah: “‘Silent Night’.”
Lily: “‘Cross the Breeze’ – Sonic Youth.”
Rory: “‘Smoke on the Water’.”
Harper: “‘Sunshine of Your Love’.”
9. What track features the greatest vocal performance?
Noah: “‘You’re Getting Married (Solo Home Demo)’ – The Replacements.”
Harper: “‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ – Bessie Smith, and ‘Alabama Highway’ – Steve Young.”
10. What venue do you dream of playing? And who’s your support act?
Noah: “The International Hotel with Elvis supporting.”
Lily: “The Super Bowl, no support.”
11. What song do you hate most in the world?
Lily: “That Burger King song Noah played in the car.”
Harper: “‘Big Balls’ – AC/DC or ‘Driving Home For Christmas’.”
12. What’s your most controversial cultural opinion?
Lily: “I don’t like toast that much.”
Harper: “Sunglasses don’t look cool on stage.”
13. Who the fuck is Mark E. Smith?
Noah: “The guy who inspired Marquee Moon.“
14. Are The Beatles overrated?
Noah: “Ask Rory.”
Lily: “Ask Rory.”
Harper: “Rory will kill me if I answer truthfully.”
Rory: “The Beatles are the best band of all time, and no one else even comes close.”
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