Ep505: Desolë and Reunions: Umlaut’s New Album and Mr Bungle Memories

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

Melbourne band Umlaut discuss their upcoming heartbreak-themed album "Desolë”, inspirations and reflections on Mr Bungle memories and performances.

Topics Include:

• Vinyl Guide podcast video episode with Melbourne band Umlaut
• Band members: Bär McKinnon, Shane, Angus, Danny introduced
• New album "Desolë" coming out July 25th/21st
• "Desolë" means "sorry" in French, originally song title
• Track became album title after Angus suggested it
• Album themes center around heartbreak and personal material
• Bär moved toward more earnest songwriting recently
• Danny wrote some lyrics, band becoming more collaborative
• Bär describes creative process while driving, cycling melodies
• Recording these personal songs felt embarrassing for Bär
• Songs existed for some time before band recorded
• Bär historically very controlling, now trying to relinquish
• Most songs originated with Bär, others contributed sections
• Danny brings different drumming ideas than just copying
• Peter Jackson Beatles documentary inspired collaborative approach
• Final track created spontaneously in rehearsal room
• Bär and Danny worked together 25 years ago
• Different now because they're actually playing together
• Previously recorded separately, rarely rehearsed together
• More open to other ideas and input now
• "Vinny" track completely transformed from Bär's original demo
• Band has revolving door history with members
• Current quartet setup works well for these songs
• All members play multiple instruments during live shows
• Mr. Bungle 2024 Melbourne show at Festival Hall happened
• Only had 12 minutes to work out songs
• Performed "Travolta" with Danny and Bär rejoining
• Teased "Carry Stress in the Jaw" then stopped
• Angus sang backing vocals on Travolta performance
• Security almost didn't let them on stage
• Bär wore boiler suit and scarface shirt
• Extended saxophone solo during the performance
• Considered doing secret sideshow but didn't happen
• Recent health issues caused tour cancellations in October
• Danny considered quitting drumming due to physical concerns
• Band refused to play without Danny
• Health issues resolved, Danny can play again
• Cold Sore is cover of unreleased Mr. Bungle song
• Unreleased Bungle recordings exist on two-inch tape
• Album took about year and half to complete

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