Mazes

Mazes is a Chicago-based indie pop group active since 2004. The name is used by more than one band, but the act described here is the Manchester-formed group led by Jack Cooper on vocals and guitar, with Neil Robinson on drums, Jarin Tabata on guitars and Conan Roberts on bass.

Formation and line-up

The band forms in Manchester in early 2009 and builds its sound around a small, tightly connected line-up. Jack Cooper fronts the group and also runs the Suffering Jukebox label. Conan Roberts, who also plays in Graffiti Island, runs Italian Beach Babes. The band’s other members are Neil Robinson and Jarin Tabata.

Recording style and sound

Mazes is known for recording live and quickly to tape, with an approach that values spontaneity over heavy revision. Their recordings often use lo-fi textures, tape distortion and four-track techniques as part of the arrangement rather than as incidental flaws. The group’s output includes short, direct pop songs as well as very brief thrash punk pieces, alongside more controlled three-minute tracks.

The band’s influences include Guided by Voices and Eric’s Trip, and its wider references also include The Beach Boys, Van Halen and Ean Eraser. Their music is described in relation to the lo-fi pop and garage styles associated with acts such as The Clean, The Vaselines and Television Personalities, as well as a “garagey” Kinks-like quality.

Releases and labels

Mazes issues its first two singles on Brighton label Sex Is Disgusting, with the second appearing as a split with Spectrals. A third single follows on Suffering Jukebox. The band also records a mixtape for Italian Beach Babes, containing 30 tracks of sketches, acoustic versions, alternate takes and samples. This release shows their use of recording limitations as an active part of the music, rather than as a technical constraint.

The group later releases material on FatCat, alongside other artists linked to DIY scenes such as Animal Collective, Black Dice and No Age.

Live activity and scene connections

Early in its career, Mazes tours with Pens and Wavves, then plays shows and tours with Deerhunter, Thee Oh Sees, Sic Alps, Box Elders, Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles. The band is associated with a wider DIY network that includes Pens, Cold Pumas and Male Bonding, and its members’ label work reflects a strong interest in community-based independent music.

Related material

Among the songs mentioned in connection with the band are “This Fucking Thing,” “Go-betweens,” “Cenetaph” and “Painting of Tupac Shakur.” These tracks illustrate the range of the group’s approach, from distorted tape-led instrumentals to compact pop and punk forms.