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Combining a densely layered three‐guitar attack with raw, nervy vocals, Mittenfields have drawn comparisons to some of the best indie rock acts of the 1990s. Far from an exercise in pure nostalgia, however, the DC‐based ensemble has crafted its own unique sound combining elements of indie rock, shoegaze and noise pop.

Singer/bassist Dave Mann formed Mittenfields in 2008 with guitarist Sam Sherwood. After adding wunderkind math‐rock drummer Brian Moran to the mix, the lineup of the band was completed with the arrival of guitarists Donald Seale and Michael Ball in late 2010. The quintet quickly headed into DC’s Inner Ear Studios, cranked up a wall of amps, and let it rip.

Mittenfields released their debut EP, The Fresh Sum, in July 2011, with the tracks “My Mind Is An Avalanche” and “Goliath FTW” being featured on local and college radio broadcasts and podcasts in the US and Canada. The band plans to return to the studio in 2012 to begin work on a full-length album.

The band has spent much of the past year playing shows in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, as well as in Texas, including the 35 Denton festival and several unofficial SXSW showcases.

Reviews for The Fresh Sum
“[Goliath FTW] hearkens back to the noisy tunes of Matador Records’ heyday.”
‐ Washington City Paper

“Mittenfields debut the past as something new... if you took Frightened Rabbit and told vocalist Scott Hutchison to make a song for Arcade Fire’s Funeral using Cursive as a backing band, maybe then you would end up with ‘My Mind Is an Avalanche.’” (9 out of 10)
‐ Heave Media

“A band who aren’t afraid to swing for the fences… dangerously energized guitars, shout‐to‐the‐ceiling harmonies, and a rhythm section that sounds like it could implode.”
‐ Turntable Kitchen

“A roaring juggernaut of swirling guitars, soaring choruses and raging emotions.”
‐ Sirens of Decay

“Think Preston School of Industry with balls.”
‐ Trigger Cut

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