Miki Bereli Reflects on the Painful Loss That Brought an End to the Magnificent: “It Still Hurts”

Miki Bereli Reflects on Lush’s End

Miki Bereli discussed how the “loss” ultimately led to the disbandment of the cult indie group Lush, expressing that the gap “still hurts.”

Reunion Highlights and Challenges

In a recent interview with Keeper, the musician reflected on the group’s dissolution following their highly anticipated reunion concerts in 2016. The Shoegaze band initially parted ways in 1998 after the tragic loss of drummer Chris Acland in 1996, only to return with new music in 2016 after nearly two decades apart.

However, Lush faced a second breakup in 2016 after reuniting for their first show in 20 years earlier that same year.

In a joint statement at the time, the band remarked: “It was wonderful to revisit our old music and produce new material. However, now it’s time to return to our families and find balance in our lives.”

Speaking with Keeper, Bereli noted that while the reunion show was intended to be a one-time event, tensions among band members and singer/guitarist Emma Anderson ultimately led to their separation.

In response to a fan’s inquiry about the swift conclusion of their reunion, Bereli explained: “The tour was always meant to be a one-time thing, partly because I had two children, was the primary breadwinner, and did not want to compromise my job in publishing for the financial instability of the group. Emma (Anderson) also had her daughter.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD4O20EPNXO

“We enjoyed creating the EP together, and it was great to sell out our shows, but the challenge in groups often lies in navigating bumps along the way. Without Chris (Acland) as a stabilizing presence, Emma and I found our relationship quite difficult.”

“At times it was wonderful; at other times it was frustrating. I chose not to include this in my book to avoid making it sound like Morrissey’s autobiography, filled with tedious tuning details. But emotions ran high, and, to be honest, it still hurts.”

New Projects and Musical Evolution

Following their second breakup in 2018, Bereli formed a new supergroup called Piroshka, alongside Justin Welch from Elastic, KJ McCillop of Moose, and Michael Konari of Modern English. Their debut album, “Brickbat,” was released in early 2019 through Bella Union.

Last year, Anderson unveiled a new remix of her 2023 track “Inter Light.” The original version of this song featured on Anderson’s solo album “Pearlies,” which debuted in October 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3at7nrpepy

The remix, crafted by Matthew Simms and Veriti Susman, introduced several “spy vibrations” reminiscent of the 60s into “Inter Light,” layering “fuzzed-out guitars, drums, and distorted ribbons for an electrifying listening experience.”

Commenting on the remix, Anderson shared: “It reduces the structure but enhances the overall dynamics of the track, which I love. There are real drums and more guitar. Plus, while the original remains, Matthew and Veriti added a finish to it that’s become my favorite part.”