The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds Ep505: Desolë and Reunions: Umlaut’s New Album and Mr Bungle Memories
Jul 7, 2025
01:45:03
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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