Taking us back to the ’80s pop-rock era, British outfit The Mustard do a great job of sounding nostalgic while keeping a relatable, relevant outlook. Inspired by the likes of Duran Duran, Aha, and Level 42, among others, the group indulges in minimalistic, icy pop-rock, layering groovy, fast-paced drums with bright synthetisers and new-wave-flavoured guitars. Overall, the listening experience is familiar and intense, with a certain epicness to it. ‘The Sign’ is the strongest evidence of that.
In the single, Charles Harry Allen’s vocals are well evocative and dramatic, embarking on a wide-ranging reflection about human nature and behavioural conflicts. As The Mustard eloquently explains: “The song was written about general habits of the human kind and where we cut corners to make our lives easier, but with worse outcomes.” Ollie Foord on guitars and backing vocals, Lukas Kelly on keys/synths, Mike Jackson on bass, and Carl Sampson on drums and percussion complete the talented lineup.
The first effort from The Mustard to be released this year, ‘The Sign’ has been followed up by ‘Funka Rock N Rolla’, a more hard-hitting and diverse piece that showcases the eclectic character enjoyed by the British band. Over the summer, they have performed numerous live shows, including at Summerfest Nonsuch Park and ShyneFest Merrist Wood.
Discover ‘The Sign’ on Spotify:
