Mainland

Judging from our recent band crushes like Skaters and Drowners, there's definitely no shortage of New York dude groups making waves in the downtown music scene. But clearly there's always room for one more...which brings us to the latest group on the radar, Mainland.

Since initially meeting at a roof party back in 2010, these four guys have crafted their special blend of happy-go-lucky guitar pop, surfer melodies, and a hazy, laid-back vibe. You might pick up hints of everyone from The Rolling Stones to The Smith Westerns to The Strokes in their EP Girls Unknown (out now). And yeah, that's definitely a good thing.

Considering the band's beginnings, it makes complete sense that their new video for "Wasted" takes place--where else?-- on a Brooklyn rooftop. Not just any afternoon rock 'n roll sesh, this one features head-swinging tunes and a mysterious rainstorm--plus plenty of picturesque cityscapes. It might only be Tuesday, but it's never too early to get excited for the weekend. So get a jump start and watch the exclusive premiere below!

Listen to more Mainland and check out upcoming shows here. - Nylon Magazine

Mainland play New York rock; fast, choppy songs in the same vein as The Postelles or The Strokes when they were just starting out. Recorded at their shared studio in Brooklyn, Brickhouse, on instruments recycled and repurposed from the bands that played their before them, Mainland is in the process of mastering their debut album, Nights and Weekends. Until then, you can watch the premiere of their first official music video, "The Stroll," below. - Interview Magazine

Our picture in French Elle - French Elle Magazine

Nice and easy, wonderfully lush summer jam by Brooklyn-based outfit Mainland that does indeed evoke quite a few sundrenched feelings, despite its title and the mild ranting about beach bands and other things that usually delight us during the happy season. Of course, most responsible for this ostensibly adversary outcome is this distinctly hazy video by Ian McClerin and the adorable longing in singer Jordan Topf’s voice that makes the whole song strangely smell like a warm sea breeze, ice cream, and suntan lotion. - No Fear of Pop

Max Vadukul just directed this music video for a Brooklyn band called 'Mainland'. They filmed in a guerrilla style at Occupy Wall Street, and the song is a protest track.

- Rolling Stone

Max Vadukul just directed this music video for a Brooklyn band called 'Mainland'. They filmed in a guerrilla style at Occupy Wall Street, and the song is a protest track.

- Rolling Stone

Formed in the summer of 2010, Mainland consists of songwriters Jordan Topf (vocals, guitar, piano), Corey Mullee (guitar, vocals, pianos), Dylan Longstreet (drums), and Zach Walter (bass). Hailing from California, New Mexico and upstate New York, the group now resides in Brooklyn. In the spring of 2011, the band hibernated into their studio aptly-titled "The Bunker" to carve out their melancholic and textured rock sound. Producer wizard and musician Nick Stumpf mixed the band's first EP, “Summer Sick,” which is now available for sale on iTunes.
myspace.com/mainlandfever - BMI

Mainland (pictured, previously Mainland Fever) is a really good local act we covered a couple of times - they also made it into the L Mag's "8 NY Bands You Need to Hear" issue this year. - The Deli Magazine NYC

It's pop, through and through, filtered through the dreamy psych influences of Pet Sounds, coming out the other end resembling a stripped-down version of fellow youngbloods The Morning Benders or Smith Westerns. While there's something warm and familiar about their sound, there's a maturity, or maybe a detachment, at play too, as though these kids have been at it forever. They have not. - The L Magazine

It's that time of year again, when The L Magazine picks "8 Bands You Need to Hear Right Now." Like usual, the 2011 list is a mix of bands you may have seen, may have heard of, and more under-the-radar picks. - Brooklyn Vegan

"Mainland played at the Deli’s Bands you Need to Hear showcase at Spike Hill. Fresh-faced and obviously on the younger side, these guys produced an impressive sound patched of classic and surf influences. Instrumentally channeling oceanic lo-fi guitar, the band is more pop than psychadelic." - Gig Maven