The Mustard, a young band from Bracknell, UK, creates an intriguing and contemplative experience with their latest EP, Illusion. Lukas Kelly and Ollie Foord formed the band in 2021, and it has had various changes since then, with Charles Allen taking over as frontman. This transformation has injected the band's music with new energy and compositional ideas, resulting in a record that is both emotionally powerful and sonically appealing.

Illusion is an EP that draws extensively on the band's inspirations, including Simple Minds, Bon Jovi, U2, and 80s and 90s rock. These influences are obvious in the sweeping cinematic soundscapes and anthemic aspects of the compositions, yet The Mustard manages to carve out a new identity by fusing traditional rock elements with current sensibilities.

The EP's title track, "Illusion," serves as the EP's centerpiece and the starting point for the band's current artistic orientation. Ollie Foord wrote the song in 2020, and it is profoundly personal, tackling topics of mental health, near-death experiences, and the darkest recesses of the human brain. 

The sweeping guitar delays and cinematic production create a sound that is both large and intimate, drawing the listener in from the first note. The track's roughness and gloom are offset with an underlying feeling of uplift, resulting in a dramatic opener that sets the tone for the remainder of the EP.

"Further on Down the Road," written by Charles Harry Allen, continues the topic of personal struggle, this time focussing on worry and the search for self-confidence in a society dominated by social media. The song is influenced by Bon Jovi, as evidenced by its flowing structure and anthemic chorus, yet it keeps the signature Mustard sound emotional, real, and accessible. One of the band's strengths is its ability to confront modern topics through the prism of classic rock, resulting in music that is both timeless and topical.

The EP ends with "Part of Me (Reprise)," a melancholy outro created by Lukas Kelly. This music acts as a thoughtful and meditative conclusion to the journey, offering a respite from the emotional intensity of the previous tracks. The reprise brings the EP together, leaving the listener with a sense of completion and reflection.

Illusion, which was recorded at Water Rat Studios in Woking and The Couch venue in Bracknell, is a professional yet real sound that accentuates the band's skill. 

The EP's sound is both vast and precise, allowing each instrument to breathe. Every aspect, from the ambient keys to the powerful basslines and complex guitar work, is meticulously designed to heighten the songs' emotional resonance.

Despite the inevitable obstacles and tensions that happen within every creative group, The Mustard's members have persevered, channeling their experiences into music that speaks to their increasing fan base. The EP reflects their journey, which explores personal and collective hardships, as well as hope, resilience, and the healing power of music.

The Mustard's EP Illusion is a stunning and seamless presentation of the band's ability to merge old rock elements with current themes and emotions. With its cinematic atmosphere, intensely emotional lyrics, and sophisticated production, the EP represents a big step forward for the band. It demonstrates their perseverance and ingenuity, and it paves the way for an exciting future for The Mustard.

Get In Touch With The Mustard:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themustarduk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mustardu4?_t=8mnowwkiPnV&_r=1

Website: https://www.themustardbanduk.com