Tempesst: 'Mushroom Cloud'
London based psych rockers Tempesst have released ‘Mushroom Cloud, the second single from their debut album ‘Must Be a Dream’, out September 30th, on their own DIY label Pony Recordings.
Hailing from Australia, twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums) settled in Hackney, London where they crafted a studio space and set up their own label together with fellow Aussies and bandmembers, Kane Reynolds (keys), Blake Misipeka (bass), and Swiss/American guitarist Eric Weber. ‘Must Be a Dream’ was written and recorded in their home studio, produced by Elliot Heinrich, and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer (whose previous work includes Parquet Courts, Temples, Yak, and Sorry).
‘Mushroom Cloud’ is an emotive take on the physical and psychological strains of a deteriorated, emotionally violent relationship. Serving as a nod to Jeff Lynne and ELO with a chorus of Alex Turner-esque vocal harmonies, hushed keys, smooth guitars, and a consistent synth line along a backdrop of subdued psychedelia instrumentation, the track explores the visceral pains that affect those we love the most.
Frontman, Toma, explains “It was the first song that we completed on the album and it set the tone for a balance of familiarity. The element of surprise and the weighty dark topics that I wanted to explore.” However, the narrative isn’t personal: “I found it easier to write this song as a confession from the perspective of the antagonist,” he starts. “It’s equal measures apology, justification and threat, the kind of confusing grey area that only exists within intimate relationships. It’s love that becomes all-consuming and suffocating. It’s that destructive primal default buried deep within each of us. The Saboteur present in every moment of regret...that will do or say anything in an attempt at self-preservation.”
