No Mean city

No Mean City

No Mean City are an alternative rock four-piece from Derry, Northern Ireland. The band forms in October 2009 and plays a female-fronted style built around raw guitar riffs, syncopated rhythms and melodic vocal hooks, with a live emphasis on energy and performance. The lineup includes frontwoman Jilly St John, who is a former model, and the group is described as drawing members from previously respected bands.

Sound and influences

Their music combines heavy riffs with pop hooks and is also described as a raucous mix of rock and grunge elements. The band cites Refused, The Mars Volta and Yeah Yeah Yeahs among its influences. Their style is sometimes compared to Yeah Yeah Yeahs through Jilly St John’s vocal delivery and stage presence.

Career

Shortly after forming, No Mean City receive attention in Hot Press magazine, which names them a “hot tip” for 2010. They also receive airplay on BBC Radio 1 Introducing and Electric Mainline, and they gig across the country. In 2010 they reach the final eight of Red Bull Bedroom Jam, performing a live-streamed set from their bedroom.

The band also appears at several major festivals, including Download, Sonisphere and T in the Park. A review of their Download performance describes them as dominating the crowd and delivering a high-energy set despite being a relatively small act on the bill.

Reception

Coverage of the group highlights their combination of strong hooks, chunky riffs and technical backing. Their live shows attract attention early in their career, with reviewers and music writers describing them as an exciting new rock act from Derry.