Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Melbourne band Umlaut (umlautbarmckinnon.bandcamp.com/) discuss their upcoming heartbreak-themed album "Desolë" (https://www.over-drive.it/prodotto/desole/) , 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 (umlautbarmckinnon.bandcamp.com/album/desol) and here (https://www.over-drive.it/prodotto/desole/) .


Watch the VIDEO version here (youtube.com/watch?v=EPkUu95NtvA)


High resolution version of this podcast is available at: Patreon.com/VinylGuide (patreon.com/VinylGuide)


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