The Mustard has released their stunning exploration of soundscapes, emotional intensity, and evocative storytelling with their latest single, โIllusion.โ Recorded at Water Rat Studios in Woking and The Couch venue in Bracknell, the 5-piece band takes us on a ride through darkness and light.
The title track, also the heart of The Mustard, written by Ollie Foord in 2020, reflects a challenging time in his life. The song opens the single with an almost cinematic flair, reminiscent of early Simple Minds or Coldplay. The soft tapping of drums sets the stage, leading to chiming guitars that ring out with a shimmering clarity.
The swelling strings add layers of drama, while Charles Allenโs high, sharp vocals cut through the ambience like a beacon. Thereโs an eccentricity in his voice that lends the song a haunting yet captivating quality.
Next up is the relatable and rousing โFurther on Down the Road-Master 2448,โ about social media-caused anxieties written by Allen. The song opens with the slow, swelling strains of strings, creating a theatrical atmosphere thatโs soon met by thick, melodic guitar riffs. The drums beat steadily beneath the surface to keep us from getting swept away by the swelling waves of the strings.
Rounding off the EP is the soothing yet powerful โPart of Me Reprise.โ Composed by Lukas Kelly, this track serves as a cinematic outro to the journey weโve been on. Waves of ambient harmonies and cascading soundscapes wash over us, creating a moment of reflection and peace. Itโs a sparkling stunner of a track, soft yet impactful with a sense of closure.
With the โIllusion,โ The Mustard has shown us how to express our most intimate selves while allowing everyone to connect to our humanity.
KEEP IN TOUCH:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
Review by: Naomi Joan