November 14, 2000 12:28

MANIC IMPRESSION!

The DJ describes the group's new stuff as "the best Manics stuff I've ever heard"...

DAVID HOLMES has described the forthcoming MANIC STREET PREACHERS album as "the best MANICS stuff I've ever heard", NME.COM can reveal.

Speaking in this week's issue of NME, on sale in London today (November 14) and the rest of the UK tomorrow, Holmes, who released his own 'Bow Down To The Exit Sign' album to massive critical acclaim back in August, has been in the studio with the trio and produced four tracks for possible inclusion on the album, their sixth.

"I did a couple of remixes for them on the last album and they were just really happy with the way they turned out," he explained. "They sat me down and played me the tracks they wanted me to do, and I was like 'A-ha!'. It's really exciting stuff - it's the best Manics stuff I've ever heard."

Although reticent to discuss the sound of the material, Holmes gave assurances that those familiar with the sleazy grooves of 'Bow Down To The Exit Sign' will be able to recognise his production skills on the tracks he's worked on, saying he has "made them a bit rougher and sonic. . . just added a bit more fucked up-ness to it."

NME.COM understands Mike Hedges, who produced the Manics' last two more orchestral albums 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours' and 'Everything Must Go', has also produced a number of tracks, as has Dave Eringa, who worked with the band in their earlier, rockier days. One track, which was recorded with a choir and, according to a source close to the band has "a gospel vibe to it," is already being talked about as a future Number One.

To read the full story, see this week's NME.