The Jesus and Mary Chain

The Profile

The Jesus and Mary Chain are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in East Kilbride, best known for combining pop melodies with heavy guitar feedback, and for their influential debut album Psychocandy.

Publicly known as a Scottish band led by brothers Jim Reid (vocals) and William Reid (guitar). Widely credited as influential to noise pop and later shoegaze through the feedback-plus-melody approach showcased on Psychocandy.

Across these reviews, The Jesus and Mary Chain are framed as Scottish innovators who fused sugary pop melodies with towering feedback. Psychocandy is repeatedly treated as foundational (even movement-starting), while Darklands is praised for its cleaner, melancholic sweetness. Honey’s Dead is highlighted as a strong synthesis of prior eras; Automatic as a tougher, drum-machine-driven pivot. Later work like Damage and Joy is seen as a solid return after a long studio gap, with guests and shoegaze-leaning mood.