Ep505: Desolë and Reunions: Umlaut's New Album and Mr Bungle Memories

Ep505: Desolë and Reunions: Umlaut's New Album and Mr Bungle Memories

Author: The Vinyl Guide July 7, 2025 Duration: 1:45:03

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

Pre-order vinyl here and here.

Watch the VIDEO version here

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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