Mush

Mush is a Leeds-based art-rock trio. The group consists of Dan Hyndman, Nick Grant and Phil Porter, with Hyndman writing songs and performing guitar and vocals, Grant on bass and vocals, and Porter on drums.

Releases and activity

The band releases its debut album, 3d routine, then follows it with a second album, Lines Redacted, through Memphis Industries. Between those albums it also puts out two EPs, Great Artisanal Formats and Yellow Sticker Hour. Lee Smith of The Cribs and Pulled Apart by Horses handles mixing on Lines Redacted.

Sound and themes

Mush’s music combines punk, prog and sardonic-funk elements, with wiry guitar lines and a style that draws on abstract surrealism, existentialism and social commentary. The band’s lyrics often focus on political and social concerns, with 3d routine reflecting the political atmosphere of mid-2019 and Lines Redacted using cynicism as a response to a more bleak setting. Hyndman’s writing is described as sharp and satirical, and the songs present a range of narrators and perspectives.

Reception

The band is tipped by BBC 6 Music, Loud & Quiet, Uncut, Q, Stereogum, DIY, The Line of Best Fit, Dork and others.

Other artists with the same name

Several other acts also use the name Mush, including an Italian post-punk band from Arezzo, a Swiss acoustic group from Lugano, a French DJ and producer named Olivier Mutschler, a Japanese variety-show unit, and a Chicago emotional rock band.