Mindfold

Mindfold is an alternative rock and nu-metal band from Maastricht in the Netherlands. The group forms in 2001 and develops a strong following in the south of its home country. Its line-up includes Remco Essers on vocals, Remco Eijssen on guitar, Bas Braam on bass and Yuri Beckers on drums. The bass player from Concubine joins the band while still playing with that group.

Early releases and live profile

Mindfold gains attention with the EP Under Your Skin, its second CD. The band performs at well-known Dutch venues including Paradiso, Melkweg, Het Paard, 013 and Vera, and it supports acts such as Dredg, Face Tomorrow, Intwine and The Appleseed Cast. Its sound is influenced by bands including Chevelle, Dredg, Hell Is for Heroes, Far and Strata.

Festival appearances and recognition

Mindfold plays the Pinkpop Festival main stage in 2005 before it has released an album. It also appears at Eurosonic/Noorderslag in the Simplon venue, wins the Limburg band contest Nu of Nooit, and receives Local Hero status for LiveXS.

Album and later activity

The debut album Long Roads appears on Squash Records with worldwide distribution. It is released a year after the Pinkpop appearance and a few months before the original singer leaves the band. Mindfold then performs with a replacement singer before breaking up in 2007. The group also books a UK tour of seven shows in February 2006.

Context

Remco Essers describes the band as starting with four close friends sharing one focus, and says its aim is to make a clear statement through its music and live performances. The group says it is driven by a high level of commitment on stage and on record.