FAT PAUL PRESENTS

MUGSTAR
Whilst harnessing the crucial elements of krautrock, ‘saucerful…’ era Pink Floyd, Neu!, Sonic Youth and Oneida, MUGSTAR (Agitated/Important Records) pulse in an orbit of their own, creating an intense haunting sound like no other.

MUGSTAR enjoyed their most successful year to date in 2011, with a number of releases, including a record-breaking 40-minute remix release of ‘Serra’ from none other than Loop’s Robert Hampson, support slots & tours with Oneida, Hawkwind, White Hills, Wooden Shjips and 2 extensive European tours of their own.

BIG NATURALS
Big Naturals are undoubtedly one of Bristol’s best live bands. The two piece – comprised of drummer Jesse and bassist/sonic manipulator Gareth – produce the sort of meaty, floor-shaking sounds that you’d expect from a band whose name you can’t google at work for fear of turning up innumerable specialist websites for men with an affection for expansive chests.

Despite existing, in one form of another, for some time now, this self-titled LP – released last month via their own Greasy Trucker label – is their first proper recorded output. It’s an impressive realisation of their chaotic, yet sludgy live sound; thunderous bass riffs warped into unexpected shapes by a multitude of effects pedals, intersected by occasional burst of atmospherics and scattershot use of spoken word samples. The whole thing is underpinned by Jesse Webb’s dexterous drum work (you’ll be hard pressed to find a more impressive drummer gigging within Bristol’s city limits).

For an instrumental two-piece, they do a lot with their limited resources – compositionally the album slides between amped-up, aggressive takes on the post-rock build-and-release template and bursts of motorik-leaning repetition, touching on the instant compositions of Can and the endless riffs of early Oneida. The sprawling tension release of ‘A Good Stalker’ and the closing double of ‘Krautpunk’ and ‘Amathaphobia’ prove to be album highlights. Being a fairly budget-conscious, self-release the mastering quality occasionally doesn’t quite keep up with the songs’ complex sonics – without wanting to sound like I’m forcing an up-sell, it sounds best on vinyl – but it’s highly recommended listening for anyone with a passing interest in experimental rock. Listen via the Bandcamp embed below. If you’re a promoter, I’d advise you to book them ASAP.

£5.00 ADVANCE