Not to be confused with the German root vegetable that is their namesake, Mangelwurzel are in fact a six-piece from Melbourne and they play tunes that are almost unclassifiable. When you’ve been labelled in some circles as the “weirdest band in Melbourne,” it means you’re probably doing a couple of things right. You’re being talked about and you’re creating original material, a healthy status for any musician.
Mangelwurzel are known for somehow seamlessly melding grungy rock and punk with ska and jazz sounds while exuding an infectious personality through their music. Their latest single Fishy Fry is another shining example of their unique ability and only confirms that even if they are the weirdest band in Melbourne, they’re also one of the most exciting.
It’s impossible to nail down what exactly you hear when you listen to Mangelwurzel; with vocals made to rule crowds, their fierce and lively new track Fishy Fry marks the band as a force to be reckoned with.
The track begins with a terrifically rock ‘n’ roll guitar riff that immediately pricks our ears. You have our attention, Mangelwurzel. Soon vocalist Cosima joins in with a voice which invokes an intense visualisation. What does this lady look like? The sounds from her lips manage to hint at affection in the same breath as you hear a fierce and lively attitude that could seduce, admonish and energise in equal measure. We’re now listening with as many senses as we can muster.
As the song moves along we hear the horns announce their arrival and the song becomes a bundle of dance inducing jazz-rock party sounds that crash and jingle. It really gives that joyous feel of a team effort, multiple musicians jamming out for the sheer pleasure of it. A fantastic instrumental solo follows as we head into a softer moment, Cosima choosing to showcase her undeniably arresting vocals once again. By now the track is positively racing along, rhythm taking over, aided by tapping drumsticks, seeking a finish line. It ends quietly but leaves our adrenaline active, looking for the next song to immerse in. You now have our devotion.
Without even thinking it’s clear that Mangelwurzel live would be a force to be reckoned with. Listening to Cosima it’s easy and exciting to imagine her commanding the stage amidst the many instruments that Mangelwurzel employ. The path of success that a band like The Preatures are carving out is something Mangelwurzel look almost certain to emulate.
Fishy Fry is the latest single to be taken from the band’s debut album Gary, due out next year. Playing host to the single launch on the 25th September will be the Gasometer Hotel, with Mesa Cosa and Tanzer in support.
You can also catch them in October at the Kennedy Creek Music Festival, hot off the heels of their much talked about performance at BIGSOUND earlier this month.