Manchester-based Meena Release Anticipated Debut Album "Different Now"

Manchester’s Meena have been quietly building their reputation in the UK’s shoegaze and dream-pop landscape since forming in 2019. Moving past the release of three well-received EPs, Meena have steadily refined their sound, earning praise from critics and support from tastemakers, including placement on Spotify’s Fresh Finds editorial playlist. Each release has shown growth in scope and confidence, paving the way for their first, 14-track, full-length record., "Different Now", a debut that captures both their atmospheric style and their willingness to experiment.

The group enlisted an impressive team for the album’s final form. Renowned producer and mixer Ben H Allen — whose credits include Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley, Soccer Mommy, and Deerhunter — brings a sense of clarity and balance to the arrangements. Mastering at Abbey Road Studios by Frank Arkwright adds a polished finish without losing the organic feel of the performances. Piccadilly Records describes the record as “beautifully delicate sounds skilfully woven into a cathartic wave of sound,” an apt summary of Meena’s ability to merge delicacy with sonic force.

At its heart, "Different Now", blends elements of shoegaze, electronic, and trip-hop into a fluid, immersive sound. Rather than treating these genres as separate influences, Meena integrate them into a cohesive whole. Lush guitars and ambient synths swirl around deep basslines and hypnotic rhythms, creating layers that invite both drifting and focus. This balance of detail and atmosphere gives the record a sense of depth, offering something new with each listen.

The sequencing makes for a dynamic journey. Some passages are expansive and dreamlike, with washes of sound that hang in the air, while others lean into groove-driven territory, pulsing with percussive energy. These shifts feel deliberate, avoiding monotony while maintaining a unified mood. The variety also highlights the band’s versatility, showing they can move between introspection and momentum without breaking the album’s flow.

Vocals play an integral role in shaping the tone. Rather than dominating the mix, they blend into the instrumentation, often acting as another texture within the soundscape. The lyrics carry a quiet emotional weight, speaking in impressions rather than direct narratives, leaving room for listener interpretation while allowing each track to resonate in a personal way.

Allen’s production work is a major asset. His experience with artists who defy easy categorization is evident in how, "Different Now", balances warmth with precision. Every sonic element — from the softest background texture to the boldest guitar swell — finds its space, creating a mix that feels expansive but never cluttered. Arkwright’s mastering provides the final touch, enhancing clarity while preserving the record’s gritty and immersive character.

What stands out most is the cohesion between vision and execution. "Different Now", feels like the product of years of development, with each idea fully realized yet still carrying a sense of spontaneity. The band’s ability to shift moods without losing their identity makes the album compelling from start to finish. It’s a debut that avoids the common trap of being a mere collection of songs — instead, it unfolds as a complete statement. For longtime followers, this release is the payoff to the promise shown in their earlier work. For those discovering Meena for the first time, it’s an immediate introduction to a band capable of marrying intricate arrangements with emotional resonance. Confident, sonically rich, and emotionally charged, "Different Now", is an album that rewards full attention but is equally captivating in passing moments — a rare feat, and a sign that this is only the beginning of what the band can achieve.