Rising ska-punk types Millie Manders and the Shut Up have released an unlikely cover version as they prepare for their latest UK tour.
The band, who went down a storm as openers for Less Than Jake earlier this year (our review is HERE), have done their own take on Sweet Melody by pop band Little Mix.
It’s turned a piece of auto-tuned R&B lite (which was somehow a massive global hit) into a rousing ska-punk anthem, and it’s been released as their new single on the eve of their Toot Sweet Tour.
Talking about the release, Millie says: “I was approached by Christy Bullen, a singer and songwriter here in Norwich, and I loved his take on it, so I jumped at the chance.
“It was originally his idea to feature me, but it ended up swinging the other way. Haha!! It’s such a great version and it gets everyone bouncing and singing along whenever we play it live.
“It was such a pleasure to work on it with Christy and the producer Tom Joy and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
MMATSU, who released their debut album Telling Truths, Breaking Ties (reviewed HERE) during the lockdown of 2020, embarked on their first full headline UK tour last autumn.
Most of the dates, including several O2 Academy shows, were sold out., and their reputation as one of the most exhilarating live bands around was enhanced by February’s Less Than Jake support slot.
The gigs, which also featured Skinny Lister and The Toasters, won MMATSU legions of new fans every night, with the rapturous audience receptions comfortably matched by the glowing media coverage.
“Our first headline tour and the Less Than Jake tour were nothing short of mind blowing,” says Millie.
Incredible memories
“As a band, we could never have imagined so many people coming out to see us and just how many voices we would hear singing our songs with us. We have made lifelong friends and incredible memories that we will always cherish.”
Millie Manders And The Shut Up aim to make new friends and memories at their latest run of dates, which starts on June 1 and runs for the next three weeks.
They also have festival dates pencilled in at Kendal Calling and Gabe Fest in July, and Rebellion at Blackpool in August.
