Laying in bed watching an overweight, Scottish writer spout pretentious bullshit about video games I’ve never played, isn’t always a productive pass time. However, as I lay there vegetating my days pains away, I heard something quite unexpectedly beautiful. A haunting, muddled piece of craziness slowly pulling it’s self together in the background of the outro, capturing the mood perfectly. This was my first introduction to Mummy Short Arms. That event took place more than four years ago, and the band is only now getting their collective asses in gear to release that very single. I like their style.
Now, I’m not very adept at describing traditional music styles – of which I guess Mummy Short Arms is indy / rock. What sounds to be a traditional five piece rock band, making use of some synths and the sporadic use of an old drum machine, have turned out a very, very interesting piece of work.
The vocalist sounds like a bluesy mumbling cross between Cpt. Beefheart and the Cookie Monster. That may not sounds like the most complimentary line, but let me assure you, it’s the voice. And if that title, “Cigarette Smuggling” doesn’t piqué your interest, nothing will. You see, “Cigarette Smuggling” isn’t just a cleverly ironic title intended to excite pretentious idiots like myself – it’s entirely literal…
I think.
You see my friend with the long hair? He play the bongo drum He's in a Spanish Prison, Just twiddle his thumbs
What Mummy Short Arms have given us is a lovely example of deconstructed rock, entwined with a ridiculous subject matter and played with an entirely straight face. The track never breaks it’s cool façade, and even in full swing has a confident swagger and a ‘demo’ vibe which makes everything feel pure and raw. Everything is done with an air of cool, the likes of which I’ve not heard in a very long time. From the cluttered and casual intro that slowly fades into guitar licks that are more suited to a smoky 1910 Saloon bar, you know you’re in for something special. In the preceding 3 minutes and 52 seconds, Mummy Short Arms don’t let you down once. I’d love to call this track ‘fresh’ and ‘new’, but it’s bloody 4 years old now – and I still love it. Just goes to show, cool doesn’t grow old.
Anyway, it’s finally available for sale on Flowers In The Dustbin, on 30th of May. The single will be backed with “Searching For A Body”, which I’ve yet to hear, but I’m desperate to see what else they have up their sleeve! I’ll be buying it immediately.
