“Don’t Throw Me Away” Mumlers album review

The San Jose six piece eclectic blues folk group The Mumlers released their second full length album Don’t Throw Me Away in September.  Recorded and produced at San Francisco’s Ruminator Audio Studio, the record is a pleasant blend of multi-instrumentals, blues, soul and rock that features everything from glockenspiels to organs to harmonica’s. The organic feel of the Mumlers’ work immediately draws comparisons to Beirut. Lead singer Will Sprott’s distant yet poignant vocals complement the well orchestrated instrumental arrangements behind him.  At times, Sprott sounds’ match those of the Walkmen’s Hamilton Leithauser.  The band’s vocals are at their best when Sprott is joined by the backing harmonies of the Mumlers. Raise the Blinds and  Coffin Factory are excellent examples. Lyrically, a simple complexity doesn’t push too hard, but complements the instruments.
The Mumlers’ ability to merge many instruments into a tight, natural and rolling tunes makes for an album that enjoyable from the get go, but has great replay. From organ solos of tracks like 99 Years Ago to whistles littered in Fugitive & Vagabond to the stripped down bass and ukelele of Golden Arm & Black Hand, the variety of Don’t Throw Me Away is impressive and refreshing. Altogether, the album is an stellar second release by a group and a solid contribution to the burgeoning genre of eclectically blended  traditions that Beirut brought to our ears.
“Raise the Blinds” 01 Raise The Blinds
“Coffin Factory” 04 Coffin Factory
“Golden Arm & Black Hand” 08 Golden Arm & Black Hand
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The Mumlers begin their fall tour with Black Heart Procession this Saturday in San Diego @ the Casbah
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