Tag: Mushu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mushu Back with “Traps”

Sydney band Mushu are back with their new single “Traps,” our first taste of the indie rock act’s forthcoming EP.

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2010 the band has been honing their live show with gigs here and in North America, and I think that’s reflected in the single. It’s a bit darker than their previous material, but there’s a spontaneous energy that’s so infectious. I predict that fans of Nick Cave and Tom Waits are going to eat it up.

I’m really enjoying watching the progression of this local act. “Traps” is another stellar single which has me eagerly awaiting the release of that next EP next year.

Image used with permission from Mushu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mushu Back with “Bandit”

Mushu wowed me last year with their self-titled EP, so I’m thrilled to hear they’re back in the spotlight with a brand new single “Bandit.” Just like a thief in the night, this alt-country love song will steal your heart with its rich harmonies and buzzing synths.

The song, which drops digitally on June 10, shows us how much the band has developed their folky, poppy, alt-country sound since that EP. No doubt that maturity has come about through the band’s relentless touring schedule, which saw them take in America and Canada in between recording sessions.

We’ll get the chance to see Mushu on home stages when they launch “Bandit” next month with an east coast tour. Here are the dates!

11 June 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra
23 June 2011 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
9 July 2011 – Bondi Music Festival, Sydney
22 July 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Mushu” – Mushu

The self-titled EP from Sydney band Mushu crossed my desk earlier this week, and it’s taken up permanent residence in my stereo. In just six tracks this exciting act has made a big impression on me.

It all starts with the attention grabbing “Neap Tide,” a powerful track which juxtaposes gorgeous sweet harmonies with wailing guitars. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, but one that manages to work.

Mushu are no strangers to this kind of unlikely pairing. Lead singer Simone’s vocals are warm and lush, with a gentle emotional rasp. Her voice struck a real personal chord with me; it’s got a quiet feminine strength about it. It gets even stronger when paired with Mushu’s big sounds, those insistent guitars on “Neap Tide,” the pounding piano and driving strings of “Don’t Forget Me.”

The first half of the EP shocks your senses, while the second settles into a gentler groove. The music is more subtle here, although you’d never accuse it of fading into the background. “Paper Aeroplane” was a standout for me, with its gorgeous lyrics and compelling raw emotion. I was also shocked by the stunning crescendo the band builds in “Carousel Heart.”

In this EP Mushu have proven to be a band that’s impossible to ignore. In a sea of beige musical acts, that is a very good thing.

Mushu’s self-titled EP is available through iTunes.