Name: Down Tools
Brand: Mush

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

MI0726LP

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-07-08

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5056340104132

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

MI0726LPX

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Yellow

Marbled Yellow.

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[r23892272]

Extended format: Yes

5056340104125

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1 / Extended format: Yes / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / yellow

MI0726CD

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5056340104149

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1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Mush

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Memphis Industries

Vinyl variants, bonus material and signed editions exclusively available from Rough Trade.

Memphis Industries is a British independent record label based in North London. Established in 1998 by the brothers Ollie Jacob and Matt Jacob, it has become a prominent player in the music industry. With their first release being Blue States' Forever EP, Memphis Industries quickly made a name for itself as a platform for talented artists.

Over the years, Memphis Industries has nurtured and supported numerous *artists* who have gone on to achieve great success. The label prides itself on its diverse roster, spanning various genres including indie rock, electronic, and folk. Their commitment to quality music has earned them an esteemed reputation among both fans and critics alike.

With an impressive catalog of releases under their belt, Memphis Industries continues to discover and promote emerging talent from around the world. Their passion for music shines through in every release they put out, making them a go-to destination for music lovers looking for something fresh and exciting.

Mush is an innovative and boundary-pushing artist, known for their unique blend of electronic and experimental music. With a career spanning over a decade, Mush has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of sound. Their intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics have garnered them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
From their early days experimenting with different genres to their current status as one of the most influential artists in the industry, Mush has always been at the forefront of musical innovation. Their ability to seamlessly blend different styles and create something entirely new sets them apart from other artists.
With numerous albums under their belt, Mush continues to evolve and push themselves creatively. Each release showcases their growth as an artist and demonstrates their commitment to pushing boundaries. Whether it's through hypnotic beats or haunting melodies, Mush's music never fails to captivate listeners.

Back In Stock

Leeds art-rock group Mush return with album Down Tools via Memphis Industries. The new record marks the prolific band’s third album in as many years, following hype-building early singles ‘Alternative Facts’ and ‘Gig Economy’, 2020’s debut LP 3D Routine and 2021's acclaimed Lines Redacted, which pushed their sound further.

On Down Tools, this voice grows again into a more brilliantly singular sound. It sees Mush getting loose, moving away from the defined moods and textures of Lines Redacted with a musical openness, straddling genres while avoiding pastiche. Hyndman says of the lyrics on ‘Down Tools’ that “there was a conscious decision to retreat further from an observational approach” with vocals being ad-libbed lending the record a more abstract feel. Hyndman continues: “this album is less dark than the previous one. The Armageddon obsession has eased, or at least the symptoms have become milder due to saturation. Musically there’s a lot more chill on the record – there’s a few more mellow tracks out there and the most astute listener may even be able to decipher some of the words, fingers crossed.”

While grief and work balance form themes on the record, Hyndman’s approach is largely made up of abstract, disconnected streams of consciousness and lines liberally taken from books, paintings, films and beyond. On Human Resources, Hyndman dramatically retells a battle he had with an HR department at a job in a David and Goliath style. The song ‘Group Of Death’, a phrase chillingly familiar to any football fan, is emblematic of the turn towards softer, more considered sounds. Hyndman says: “In my warped imagination it just sounds like a Paul McCartney song, but it won’t to others. I initially had the idea of doing a World Cup song called ‘Group of Death’, but by the time it was written nothing beyond the title had any relevance to football. Anyway, the next World Cup is in Qatar so fuck that shit.” Northern Safari meanwhile is a song about the way the North of England has been portrayed in the media and used as a mirror to reflect some of the nastier elements of what’s going on in society, in particular vox pops around Doncaster, portraying a particular narrative of the collapse of the red wall and the disgruntled ex-miners.

Down Tools then sees Mush idiosyncratically ping-pong from finger picked looseners to noise-rock bangers to brilliantly entertaining effect, avoiding post punk saturation with an easy style and wit.

Down Tools

Music GB

Buy Mush - Down Tools (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.