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The White Mice are an abrasive, experimental, industrial, noiserock or noisegrind band from
Providence, Rhode Island. They consist of vocals, drums, bass and electronics, but, live, often have
a rotation of guest members playing guitars, electronica and custom, unidentifiable circuit-bent
instruments. Formed in late 2001, the bands first live performance, 10/31/01, took titular and
visual inspiration from an old, open sewers era, british slang, for used tampons and tissue floating in
a sewer. A slang still in use by plumbers today. They are known to use any level of humor,
portmant ...read more
The White Mice are an abrasive, experimental, industrial, noiserock or noisegrind band from
Providence, Rhode Island. They consist of vocals, drums, bass and electronics, but, live, often have
a rotation of guest members playing guitars, electronica and custom, unidentifiable circuit-bent
instruments. Formed in late 2001, the bands first live performance, 10/31/01, took titular and
visual inspiration from an old, open sewers era, british slang, for used tampons and tissue floating in
a sewer. A slang still in use by plumbers today. They are known to use any level of humor,
portmanteau terms and re-imagined puns thru out much of their work. (for example, they refer to
their myspace as their "micespace") In time, developing their own unique slang language,
boobonics, as they re-imagine post apocalyptic soundscapes where a primal rats eye view of some
kind of twisted alternate mutant human history, and reality, prevails. The strong sense of
irreverence, humor and creativity in all their work brings them a growing cult following as the band
continues to play with the image and possibilities of the musical medium on record and continues to
play and tour often.
Known for unforgettable live performances, they adorn bloody lab outfits and custom circuit-bent
mouse masks, and create a harsh, furious sound, a mix of bass and drum heavy rhythms, thick with
distortion and wound full of howling live electronic manipulation and blistering vocals.
"White Mice succeed where so many other performance based, noise oriented artists fail: the
acually have great SONGS to back up their performances (and great performances they are, blood
spattered mice costumes and all). Also, while some artists working in similar genres marinate
themselves in pretensions, White Mice exude a disarmingly retarded sense of humor (their penchant
for mice-ifying everything - song titles such as "mousSTASsh Ride," for example). For these
reasons, I was looking forward to hearing White Mice's latest release, Excreamantraintraveinanus.
First things first: this album sounds great. Somehow the crew at Machines with Magnets (Pawtucket,
Rhode Island) captured White Mice's scuzzy, fuzzy sound without sacrificing any of the power or
clarity that comes from the punishing volumes at which they play. Equally impressive, however, are
the songs showcased here. "Gouda and Evil," which wraps strands of harsh noise around a hypnotic
bass line and sledgehammer style drum beats, stands as one of the strongest moments on the
album. The distorted, and at times vomitous, vocals are simply terrifying. Who knew a song about
cheese could be so brutal? Many critics hear a heavy Melvins-influence in the songs of White Mice,
a point which could be supported by the White Mice's love of heavy, sludgy sounds; however, what
separates White Mice from this obvious influence is their almost painterly use of noise - they
actually rock an oscillator to create whirling harsh soundscapes - and wickedly good basslines.
Sure, plentiful grooves can be found in Melvins songs, but check out the busted, off kilter swagger of
White Mice's "Fondleeza Mice." Your head will be nodding in no time. Some allege that many of
White Mice's songs sound the same, but they miss the point: at their best, White Mice spin
cohesive nightmares like no one else. Here's to another expertly crafted jaunt by these costume-
clad masters of Malaise." (-Michael Grigelevich) Skyscraper Magazine #28, Summer 2008
They have toured with Lightning Bolt, USA is a Monster, Coughs, An Albatross, Skinny Puppy, Dj
Scotch Egg, Bolz'n, Pleasurehorse, Suffering Bastard, and Athletic Automaton.
They have self-released several records, including "Mouse of Mendes" and a Christmas album
entitled "Do They Know It's Christmice?" before being signed to Load Records, where they recorded
and released two more albums. Further records have been released on the Blossoming Noise label of
Atlanta Georgia, as well as several independent labels. « hide |
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