The Sheffield Scenester

The Sheffield based indie-pop band - Maybe I Might Explode have been tipped as being “the next big Sheffield band”.... especially having played at many of the top venues in Sheffield (including the surrounding area) and having airplay on BBC Radio Sheffield! Their self-titled EP has everything that you might expect from such an astounding unsigned band with an eclectic mix of both frivolous, upbeat songs and more powerful love songs. Having seen this band play live, this EP shows how transferable MIME’s music is as they have such a high-quality sound both recorded and live.

The 4 track EP begins with the strong, fast-paced ‘Wouldn’t Say No’, a brilliantly upbeat and exciting song with rollicking guitar riffs and insistent vocals. William Rowe’s strong drums and the chanting chorus give it that grungy edge that makes MIME’s music so catchy and likable.

The second track on the EP is the steadier ‘Lies’. Lewis Rowlands’ vocals are instantly captivating as he executes the lyrics and holds the notes effortlessly. ‘Lies’ is a personal favourite of mine from this EP with its calmer tempo and memorable chorus and I can’t help but sing along every time that I listen to it. MIME has a brilliant sound that gives the EP a real professional quality and this song in particular is a fine example.

‘Be Here Now’, the third track, has a fantastic opening which really emphasises Lewis’ distinctive, Americanised vocals and the power of his voice. The seemingly slow intro bursts into a really strong, grungy song which builds with layers of instruments and vocals before returning to its original softer sound, to bring it to a close.

The last song on the EP ‘Dog Eared Soul’ has a very intriguing and somewhat eerie beginning with simple chords and drum rolls, once again highlighting the strength of the vocals. Listening to the lyrics they have a really enjoyable quirkiness to them especially the line about a girl sticking to you like very sticky glue! I would really recommend this track, as another favourite of mine, due to its progression into a magnificently powerful song with transcending layers of tempos.

The short, but very sweet ‘Plastic Fantastic’ is another fast-paced, easily likeable song with its sliding chords and vocals and is available as a bonus track on the downloadable version of the EP.

As a collective the entire EP is really well put together and truly showcases the talent of the band. MIME are definitely a band to keep an eye on as they have a lot of potential and after listening to this EP I for one am looking forward to their next one!

The EP is available to download for free at

Words by Felicity Crook