The Missing Western – Mantic Muddlers Play The Green Note
This trio from Petersfield, conjured up a soundtrack for the western film that was never made. You could imagine the high plains, the sweeping vistas and the looming menace of the bad guy. Check the foot-stomping track “No Country For Young Men“. The Mantic Muddlers are Jake Davies (vocals and guitar), George Mercer (double bass & vocals) and Laurence Evans (violin and vocals).
It was a solid evening at the Green Note where the band played full of energy, sliding between country twangs, slide guitar, harmonica blasts, violin flurries and vocal harmonies. About as much of a hoedown as you’re going to find in NW1.
Mantic muddlers playing live in London’s Green Note club in Camden Town 22 Sept 2019. Photo: Jon Himoff
Sultry, smooth vocals delivered inventive and charming story-telling lyrics. Check out “Busker Man” track. They call their music roots, rattle and roll. It is somewhere between blue grass, country and old-time rock and roll with a little gospel seasoning thrown in.
Call me somewhat circumspect
But I’ve still got my dreams
I guess that means I’m fast asleep
But I heard you say to me
‘Thanks for your honesty’
But tell me in a nutshell where did it get me?
— lyrics from The Gospel Truth
The Green Note consistently presents top talent in a friendly and cosy club space. You can rock up there any time and have a good night out with a band you never heard of before, but will want to listen to again and again afterwards. And you can get all the real kombucha you need.
Mantic muddlers playing live in London’s Green Note club in Camden Town 22 Sept 2019. Photo: Jon Himoff