The Mumbles

The Mumbles

The Mumbles are a goth rock band from the United Kingdom, active from 2005 to 2011. The group forms in November 2005 around Robert Cowlin and James Ward, and it develops a keyboard-led style shaped by their interest in gothic rock and rock and roll.

Formation and early line-up

The band begins with very limited equipment, using mainly a keyboard. At first, Ward sings and Cowlin plays keyboards, drawing on lessons he has taken a few years earlier. They also use the keyboard as a drum machine, and this device becomes an unofficial third member called Robot. By December 2005, Cowlin and Ward switch roles because they feel better suited to each other’s parts: Cowlin takes over vocals and Ward moves to keyboards, while Robot remains on drums.

Recordings, releases and labels

In early 2006, The Mumbles write a new set of songs and rehearse in their school music room. In April 2006 they release their debut EP, Another Shade/Slice Of Black, on their independent label Mumbling Release. The EP includes four original tracks and two covers. Because of poor recording equipment and inexperience, the release has a rough sound, but after upgrading their equipment they re-record two of its tracks and issue them as singles.

During the summer of 2006 the band releases its first full album, To Hell In Black, followed by three singles. After a gap of almost a year, apart from two live dates, they make their radio debut on Hayes FM on 23 October 2007, covering Martell by The Cribs for the station’s Version Excursion feature. The song is later remastered and issued on The Wire EP.

In November 2007 they release The Machine to mark two years since forming. Cowlin also records vocals for the electro-goth collaborative project Dark Horizon during the Christmas period; its EP Gold, Blood And Glory is issued by Black Heat Records and features his vocals. The Mumbles sign to Black Heat Records on 12 January 2008 and release The Wire on 29 February 2008. In May that year their cover of Crash And Burn by The Sisters Of Mercy spends four weeks at the top of the Cathedral13 radio chart. Later in 2008 they make their official live debut by headlining Musical Circus at the White Bear Pub in Rickmansworth, and in December they are interviewed by Mick Mercer and appear in issues 45 and 46 of The Mick.

In May 2009 they release the one-track single Night Train through online stores. In July 2009 they leave Black Heat Records and return to Mumbling Release for later records. On 30 November 2009 they issue The Dust Left Behind on CD and download, their first release to receive a full CD edition.

Style and activity

The Mumbles’ music is rooted in goth rock and post-punk, with a dark indie and gothic rock influence, and the band builds much of its identity around keyboard-based arrangements. Their recorded work includes original songs, covers and remastered versions, alongside collaborations outside the main group.