Glasgow-based duo, Craig McKissick and Ali Whitty – AKA der Mist – are ready to release their first singles from their forthcoming self-titled debut album.
After an exclusive listen to the soon-to-be released tracks, I can tell you with confidence, the intoxicating mix of rock, pop, synth and electronics leaves you in a space between the hard rock 70’s and the electric 80’s.
der Mist lead with the track ‘It’s Alright’ (very fitting for a time where everything seems to be the exact opposite). The single is due to be released January 15th, and is definitely one to blast out in the car on the way to do your weekly trip to the supermarket.
“It’s Alright was the first track Ali worked on with me when I was 16 that I can distinctly remember having this feeling that we were on to something – that’s why it’s the debut track”
Der mist
The brilliant accompanying music video to ‘It’s Alright’ will be released on 22nd January.
The song is perfect in pertinence; the lyrical message reflects the times we are living in. Without giving too much away, the upbeat synth pop groove of this track gives you that good-vibes-only feeling that things will sort themselves out. Eventually.
The band clearly has a knack for conveying energy, passion and optimism through music. Despite echoing the giants of 80s synth pop and rock, the duo do not sacrifice their contemporary edge.
When listening to the album, I found an underlying message almost anarchist-like, equipping their music with a feeling of rebellion against the normative. This is refreshing to hear them quite frankly, with der Mist opting to just say it how it is.
If this is what the band was going for, it is brilliantly captured and amplified through their new wave electro-rock style.
“Lyrically the track harkens back to the uncertainty I and I’m sure a lot of people had growing up and just having the confidence to tell yourself everything is going to be ok“
der mist
Craig McKissick and Ali Whitty are both based in Glasgow, and are armed to the teeth with multi-instrumental skills, making the band sound like there’s more members than just the two of them!
Previously in Crash My Model Car (signed to V2 Records) and Augusta Fireball, Ali found Craig through a local charity he set up which looked to help young musicians.
The pair decided to avoid the trappings of a traditional four-piece and use the combination of their musical and technical skills to form der Mist.
“Like a lot of tracks on the album, it went through so many versions. I remember at one point it had so much going on, I was getting carried away layering up sounds trying to turn it into a drum ‘n’ bass dance track. After hearing it, Ali swiftly decided we had to go back to basics and get the core elements of the demo and turn them into something better” – Craig McKissick
der Mist leave no stone unturned with their debut album and lift the lid on every aspect of their lives as real people. As vegan, teetotal musicians, they certainly debunk the myth that being a rockstar is not good for you health.
“My favourite part of the process was recording the guitar solo. We had so much fun trying to channel our inner 80’s child (even though I wasn’t born then), trying to get something unique and fresh but also something that evokes that nostalgic feeling…” – Craig McKissick
Step into the Light (single released 29th Jan)
In My Dreams (single released 12th Feb)
Change (single released 5th March)
der Mist’s self-titled debut album is out on 26th February!
Follow der Mist on social media for updates on the new album!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/der.mist.music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/der.mist/
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUiiPBHOT05ZzcBKMmVz6Q
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