Vinyl of the Month

Artist: The Mumlers

Title: Thickets & Stitches

Format: 12-inch

Label: Galaxia Records

Manufacturer: RTI (Record Technology, Inc.)

Recorded by Brett Allen at SnowGhost Music in Whitefish, MT, and various Bay Area studios | Mixed by Thom Monahan at The Hangar in Sacramento, CA | Mastered by J.J. Golden at Golden Mastering in Ventura, CA

Thickets & Stitches, The Mumlers’ debut album, was born to be read by a record needle. The format gives this San Jose indie folk band a rough polish of analog warmth and gritty low passages one won’t find on an mp3 or CD.

The first track, “Dice in a Drawer,” starts off with a hard pan of raspy vocals and horns, indicating a classic approach was considered in its creation. The rest of the 11-song, 33.3 rpm record proceeds in a similar manner, and a collection of once subtle and dramatic folk/pop songs are accented with a slight amount of EQ limiting, transforming the album into a dirty and loud rendition of its digital counterpart.

The record jacket displays three characters in front of a stitched backdrop – theatric musicians appearing to tell a tale with an accordion, flute, silly gestures and a series of props. Two percussionists and a violinist sneak over to the back, making an appearance under the cursive track titles. To say the least, friend of the band Lori Damiano has contributed artwork that’s not only strikingly unique and colorful, but perfectly suited to the record it cases.

The LP is stamped with a tasteful two-color label sporting a tracklisting and the Galaxia Records insignia. With five/six songs per side, the LP gleams with packed grooves filled with garage rock guitar, hoarse horns and crooning vocals – all made possible by the skillful eyes and ears of J.J. Golden of Golden Mastering.

When putting an album out on vinyl, it’s important to approach the record as a package; collectors will be disappointed if they don’t feel like they’re purchasing an extension of the band’s image and character. While most artists and labels new to the manufacturing process(es) of the vinyl format will find each release to be a learning experience on how exactly to hit this mark, it’s evident that The Mumlers did their homework, as all of the necessary details were considered here with their debut. From lacquer mastering to album design, this LP is a great representation of character and charm that has the sound to back it all up.

www.themumlers.com

-Mack Jackson