I think I could confidently predict that Glasgow’s MUMMY SHORT ARMS are probably the best band you haven’t yet heard. (How that bold statement actually works in the context of you actually having heard them before, I’m not quite sure ….)
‘Change’ is the follow-up single to ‘Cigarette Smuggling,’ about which LOUD HORIZON declared ‘genius.’ So there’s a bit of pressure on with this one, then!
But yeah, it still delivers! The brief harmonica introduction points towards a Dylan-esque folk-type song, but the rasping / hoarse sounding vocals completely ignore that little pointer and head off more down a Beefheart route. (Others comparisons are indeed available, but I think it’s an age thing with me, coupled with the fact that the good Captain was a cult hero of mine growing up. So it’s a good mark then.)
‘Change’ however is far more commercially acceptable than any generic ‘Beefheart’ track. There is a definite structure for a start, and one that prompts the listener’s accompaniment. There’s a nice, bouncing beat throughout, while the harmonica is surrounded by occasional discordantly-scratched and otherwise orchestrated strings and crystal clear guitar chimes …. yet the song still retains a bluesy feel. It’s all good.
‘Where’s The Mortuary,’ shows another side to the band. Yes, the now trademark vocals are still here, but the song sounds a touch more bitter. Darker. The rolling drums and guitar give off a slight Romany impression, aided by some manic sounding background strings. (And what sounds like a typewriter!)
Yeah – it’s still all good!
(Released through Flowers In The Dustbin on 14th November 2011)
(10/10)
_____________________________
