Mandy, Indiana Take a Bold Step into the Unknown with Hectic New Single ‘Cursive’

Experience Mandy, Indiana’s latest single ‘Cursive’ from their upcoming album ‘Urgh,’ a dynamic blend of techno and post-punk energy.

The vibrant Manchester-via-Berlin band Mandy, Indiana, poised for their next chapter.

If you’re tuned into the pulse of Manchester’s DIY scene, Mandy, Indiana’s new single ‘Cursive’ is a thrilling sonic journey you won’t want to miss. This track marks another exciting step forward from the four-piece, showcasing their knack for blending intense rhythms with raw, emotive vocals. From the first beat, ‘Cursive’ grabs you, never letting go as it pulses with relentless energy.

A Collaborative Leap in Sound

What makes ‘Cursive’ stand out in Mandy, Indiana’s discography is its collaborative creation process. Simon Catling, the band’s synth player, shares that this track was “probably our most collaborative track to date.” Usually, it's guitarist and producer Scott Fair alongside vocalist Valentine Caulfield leading the charge, but for ‘Cursive,’ it was different. The song originated from drummer Alex Macdougall’s rhythmic sketches paired with Simon’s bass sequences.

“It was exciting having everyone bring their own ideas to the table from the off, throwing them together and seeing what could come out of it — a bit of a step into the unknown for us as a band.” — Simon Catling

Valentine then added her haunting vocals, while Scott pieced the elements together, molding the frantic rhythms and weaving the song into a cohesive, electrifying whole. It’s a perfect example of how Mandy, Indiana thrives on pushing boundaries and experimenting with their sound.

Listen to ‘Cursive’ Now

Dive into the swirling intensity of ‘Cursive’ and watch the visuals that amplify its kinetic vibe below:

There’s something mesmerizing about how the relentless percussion drives the track. Valentine’s voice cuts through with a captivating urgency, pulling you deeper into the chaotic yet perfectly balanced soundscape.

The Making of ‘Urgh’: An Album Born from Struggle and Creativity

‘Cursive’ is just a taste of what’s to come on Mandy, Indiana’s sophomore album, ‘Urgh,’ scheduled for release on February 6. This record is a testament to the band’s collective spirit, with all four members deeply involved in songwriting. Scott Fair took on production duties alongside Daniel Fox, bassist for the acclaimed Gilla Band, which adds an extra layer of edge to the album’s sound.

The album’s creation was as intense as its music. Written during a residency in a studio house near Leeds and recorded between Berlin and Manchester, ‘Urgh’ reflects a period of personal trials—both Caulfield and Macdougall faced multiple surgeries during this time. This hardship seeped into the songwriting, making the album both deeply personal and a profound reflection on bigger societal issues.

Valentine’s lyrics don’t shy away from heavy topics, tackling themes like sexual assault, systemic indifference, and the omnipresence of pain. The raw emotion is palpable, lending ‘Urgh’ a weight that is balanced by the band’s experimental soundscapes.

Upcoming Tour Dates and Live Energy

Before the album drops, Mandy, Indiana will bring their powerful live show to Manchester’s O2 Ritz on January 31, supporting Machine Girl. Then, post-release, the band hits the UK and Europe with dates that promise to electrify crowds from London to Rotterdam.

Mandy, Indiana’s 2026 UK and European tour dates:

January
31: O2 Ritz, Manchester, UK (supporting Machine Girl)

March
25: Heaven, London, UK
27: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
28: Room 2, Glasgow, UK

April
8: Les 4 Ecluses, Dunkirk, France
9: Petit Bain, Paris, France
12: Bumann&Sohn, Cologne, Germany
14: Huset, Copenhagen, Denmark
15: Urban Spree, Berlin, Germany
16: MS Stubnitz, Hamburg, Germany
17: Roadburn, Tilburg, Netherlands
18: Motel Mozaique, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Why ‘Urgh’ Is One of 2026’s Most Anticipated Albums

Critics and fans alike are buzzing about ‘Urgh.’ The album is Mandy, Indiana’s first release on the notable New York label Sacred Bones, and it’s already gaining recognition as a daring, boundary-pushing work.

It’s not an easy listen—within the first 10 minutes, you’re met with a clash of clangs, chilling howls from Valentine, and a soundtrack that feels like it’s teetering on the edge of chaos and order. Yet amid this wild energy, there are moments of unexpected melody and lightness, showcasing the band’s ability to blend discord and harmony into one potent force.

This album feels like a dark blockbuster — a storm of experimental post-punk and techno that represents the best of Mandy, Indiana’s uncompromising artistic vision.

A Look Back: ‘I’ve Seen A Way’ and Mandy, Indiana’s Rise

This whirlwind of creativity didn’t come out of nowhere. Mandy, Indiana’s debut album, I’ve Seen A Way (2023), already made waves with its urgent, experimental post-punk sound. It was described as glowing with chaotic resistance, with a cinematic scope that felt grand and raw all at once.

If you remember the first time you heard that album, you probably recall the flood sirens and eerie noises that conjured images of dystopian soundtracks or monster movies. It was a fearless introduction to a band that refuses to play it safe, and ‘Cursive’ and Urgh continue that fearless journey.

To sum it up, Mandy, Indiana’s ‘Cursive’ is a fierce, collaborative track that perfectly sets the tone for their upcoming album Urgh. With its intense rhythms, poignant lyrics, and a band willing to push themselves into the unknown, it’s a must-listen for anyone who craves music that challenges and excites.

FAQ

• What inspired the song ‘Cursive’?
  ‘Cursive’ grew out of a collaborative process among band members, combining rhythmic sketches and bass sequences into a track that felt like a bold step into new territory for Mandy, Indiana.
• When is the album ‘Urgh’ being released?
  Urgh is set for release on February 6, 2026, and will be the band’s second album, featuring production by Scott Fair and Daniel Fox.
• What themes does the album explore?
  The album touches on personal and social issues, including sexual assault, systemic indifference, and the pervasive nature of pain.
• Where was ‘Urgh’ recorded?
  The album was written during a residency near Leeds and recorded in both Berlin and Manchester.
• Will Mandy, Indiana be touring soon?
  Yes! They will support Machine Girl in Manchester on January 31 and then embark on UK and European tours throughout March and April 2026.

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