Just Mustard - Heart Under

Partisan Records

Four years removed from their debut Dundalk's very own Just Mustard release their follow-up on Partisan Records. Joining acts like IDLES and fellow Irish compadres Fontaines D.C. to their ever-growing contemporary rock roster, Partisan Records is a sure shot for the next wave of must see talent. Heart Under does nothing less than strengthen this theory.

Sailing in on waves reminiscent to Sigur Ros' whaling arcs of triumphant remorse, Heart Under opens with '23'. A slow-burning, brooding piece of existential serenity. The fourth single released in preparation for the albums release 'Seed' pulls influence from the likes of Johnny Marr and his shutter infused effects on 'How Soon Is Now?'. However, Just Mustard's touch takes things down darker and more daunting directions. Just Mustard's blend of dreamy aesthetics and scathing, acerbic soundscapes leads to a series of violent daydreams - the clouds in all their surreal glory pack sinister showers. Undercurrents of angst and despair ripple right through the listener on the receiving end. Shuddering souls quake in catatonic confusion - the wallpaper starts to strip itself from the walls.

Ending the first half of the album is 'Blue Chalk'. Just Mustard's most atmospheric, trance-like track to date. Subdued in its demeanor, Blue Chalk is home to effervescent shyness. However, the feeling of underlying concern persists. Portishead are a band that do this effectively in their own endeavours. As spiritual and sacred as things can appear, the incessant sense of heaviness is apparent throughout - cries for help can appear as sweet mistakes under certain circumstances. Forward thinking guitar work and effects fruitfully shift and shape the sound palettes to be found on Heart Under. Searing in their etiquette they emit fluorescent shades of grey. Radiant and bubbling, Heart Under revels in deep and mysterious shades of blue - impenetrable and dingy, yet soothing in the same breathe.

Joining Fontaines D.C. on their world tour, Just Mustard set themselves up to be next in line for world tour treatment. The music is there, the aesthetic is there, the overall sound and style is there. The only thing missing is time and place. Some things are set in stone years in advance of them materializing.