Mould Identify Individuality in a Genre Of Their Own with Self-Titled Debut EP.

EP REVIEW | MOULD – SELF TITLED by Morgan Hermiston

Released on Nice Swan Records [Opus Kink, English Teacher], Bristol trio Mould have brought their interpretation of punk to life. Within their self-titled debut, Mould demonstrate their self-described “chunky punk” genre.

Working with producers like Harri Chambers [L’objectif] and Jon McMullen [Wet Leg and Michael Kiwanuka], this is an EP full of a fusion of different influences and styles. In each of the four tracks, frontman and guitarist Joe Sherrin‘s vocals shine above a foundation of thumping tempos brought together by bassist Kane Eagle and drummer James Luxton.

Opening track ‘Cables‘ is short, at under 2 minutes in duration, but leaves a lasting impression. The driving dynamic between drums and riffs rip through the track with Sherrin’s voice shining clearly above. Tracks like this will sound massive in a live setting, which is something Mould seem to have kept in mind throughout the creation of their debut EP.

With three singles already released, second song ‘The Space You Take Up‘ was the only track left to be heard. Bass begins the tune, shortly followed by an anthemic amalgamation of Luxton’s drumming and Eagle’s gritty and riff-filled guitar playing. Before the minute mark, the song has already transcended into a faster and more energetic momentum, showing that Mould know exactly the direction they wanted these tracks to go.

Photo of Mould: Credit to Alex Eden-Smith | Insta: @alexedensmith

Third tune ‘Birdsong‘ is Mould’s most popular track to date, and it’s obvious why. Heavy guitar work is an introductory indication of what’s to come. Shouty singing and an effective eclectic energy makes this lead single shine from the rest of the EP. That’s not to say that the other three songs are undermined, but ‘Birdsong‘ seems to just sit in a league of its own.

Final, and closing single ‘Glow‘ almost takes Mould on a musical u-turn. From the punk and rock infused vibrancy of ‘Cables‘, ‘Birdsong‘ and ‘The Space You Take Up‘, ‘Glow‘ slows things down. While definitely different from previous tracks, it still maintains a driving dynamic that underwrites Mould’s distinctive and unique style of songwriting and playing.

It could be argued that this self-titled debut EP would be perfect for fans of energy-building bands like Wunderhorse and Fontaines DC. While very well produced, it doesn’t have the perfectly polished sound that many songs seem to include. Instead, gritty and tenacious melodies provide the brass and bold sound that is setting Mould apart from other up and coming talents.

You can catch Mould performing this EP at the following dates: