Medium 21 - Acting Like a Mirror
by Olga Sladeckova
published: 15 / 1 / 2003

intro
Indie guitar band Medium 21 recently signed to Temptation Records, a new label set up indie label Fierce Panda and major label Universal. Olga Sladeckova examines the band's new EP 'Acting Like a Mirror', which is Temptation's first release
Medium 21 formed in the last year of the last century. The Northampton quartet then put out their first EP 'In Awe Of Agriculture' on the London-based indie label Outafocus records in 2000. From there the band moved to the slightly larger indie Fierce Panda records to record a single 'Plans Aren't Enough'. At the moment the band are settled at Temptation Records. Temptation Records was set up as the result of a deal between Fierce Panda and the major label Universal Records. Medium 21's new EP 'Acting Like A Mirror' is the first release of this new collaboration. The EP kicks off with the rousing and rebellious 'Acting Like A Mirror'. John, the singer, looks for self-indulgence in every line of the lyrics. "You're acting like mirror, You're acting like a mirror " he chants. The following track 'Honeymoon Hearse', like 'Acting Like a A Mirror', has a scratchy sound. There are brief gaps in which the exuberant sound of tune drops away and the tune turns briefly more stylish and fluent. The vocals likewise lower and harmonise with the music. The instrumental 'Theme From Studio 2' comes next. This third track overflows with serenity. Keyboards create all kinds of odd noises , but nevertheless are so perfectly toned that they slip in gracefully alongside the rest of the tune. "I've got you now?I feel I want you." confesses John on the last song, the ballad 'Evil Dancer'. Bass and guitars swing along, bringing the tune and this thoroughly enjoyable EP to a gentle end.
Picture Gallery:-


interviews |
Interview (2002) |
![]() |
Indie guitar band Medium 21 have just finished their first tour of Britain. Olga Sladeckova chats to them backstage about their career to date, and the agonies of touring. |
live reviews |
100 Club, London, 27/3/2003 |
![]() |
Recently signed to new major label Temptation records. Indie guitar band Medium 21 have just finished playing a major British tour. Olga Sladeckoba watches them and support band the Capes on its last night both play energetic sets |
reviews |
Plans Arent Enough (2001) |
Medium 21 are a 4-piece guitar band from London, who have been attracting a lot of attention in the last few months. Formed in 1999, the group, which consists of Craig Grown, John Clough, Drew Kent |
most viewed articles
current edition
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - InterviewJack Frost - As Seen on TV
Nils Petter Molvaer - El Molino, Barcelona, 24/4/2025
John McKay - Interview
Editorial - July 2025
Robert Forster - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Kruder and Dofmeister - Paral-lel 62, Barcelona, 27/4/2025
Skunk Anansie - Old Market, Brighton, 16/5/2025
Yardbirds - Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, 18/4/2025
previous editions
Boomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Oasis - Oasis, Earl's Court, London, 1995
Loop - Loop / Godflesh - Heaven, London, 4/6/2014
Super Furry Animals - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Brad Elvis - Interview
Not Forgotten Girl - Interview
Serge Gainsbourg - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Heaven 17 - Interview
Joe Perry (Aerosmith) - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboVultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
HAIM - I Quit
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a Circle
Pulp - More
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Little Simz - Lotus
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart