Mute Swan Releases “Another Simple Pleasure” and “Like A Chump”
This week, the ethereal rock band Mute Swan from Tuscon is set to unveil their second album titled “Skin Slip,” which serves as a tribute to their late guitarist Tom Sloane. Fans have already been treated to a taste of the upcoming album through singles such as “Hypnosis Tapes” and “Cocteau Swans,” with the band offering additional previews with newer tracks like “Another Simple Pleasure” and “Like A Chump.”
Diving deeper into the dreamy realm of psychedelia, “Another Simple Pleasure” showcases Mute Swan stepping slightly outside their comfort zone. The band mentioned in a press release that this song was initially inspired by the music of Stereolab but evolved into a different direction during the creative process. They experimented with unconventional sounds like mellotron strings, hand drums, cowbell, and vibraphone, aiming to create a unique sonic landscape. Guitarist Tom Sloane’s contribution to this track was exceptional, as he was encouraged to make his guitar emulate the haunting essence of a ghost.
In contrast, “Like A Chump,” released a few weeks ago, offers a mesmerizing blend of reverb-heavy shoegaze and Britpop, held together by a programmed beat. Guitarist and vocalist Mike Barnett shared that the genesis of this track stemmed from a unique source of inspiration. He disclosed that he asked their drummer, Gilbert, for a beat to kickstart a new song, and the suggestion to use the beat from Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” sparked the creative process. Barnett also revealed that some of the lyrics were borrowed from the same song, with Hannah McCain, also known as Sonya Blade, lending her vocals for the outro. The band expressed their desire for Fred Durst to hear their rendition.
Listeners can explore both tracks below and immerse themselves in the ethereal sounds crafted by Mute Swan. “Skin Slip” is scheduled for release on 3/6 through Hit The North/Wooden Tooth, inviting fans to pre-order the album to experience the full spectrum of their musical journey.
With each release, Mute Swan continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of dream-like melodies and intricate instrumentation, honoring the memory of their guitarist Tom Sloane along the way. As they navigate through various sonic landscapes, the band invites listeners to join them on a transcendent musical odyssey filled with introspection, experimentation, and heartfelt tributes.