Mugstar

Mugstar are a Liverpool, United Kingdom group active since 2001. Their line-up is Steve Ashton, Neil Murphy, Pete Smyth and Jason Stöll, and they release music through Critical Mass Recordings as well as Agitated and Important Records.

Style and influences

The group plays instrumental rock rooted in space rock, psychedelic rock, krautrock and jam band traditions. Their sound draws on the repetition and propulsion of krautrock, the expansive feel associated with later Pink Floyd, and the harsher textures of acts such as Neu!, Sonic Youth and Oneida.

Releases and activity

Mugstar develop a dense, immersive style built around long-form performance and heavily textured guitar work. Their 2011 activity includes several releases and a 40-minute remix of Serra by Robert Hampson of Loop, which becomes one of their notable documented collaborations.

Live work and touring

The group tours extensively in Europe and supports and tours with other psychedelic and heavy space-rock acts, including Oneida, Hawkwind, White Hills and Wooden Shjips.