Mum - Scala, London, 11/5/2008
by Benjamin Howarth
published: 11 / 1 / 2008

intro
Often see as a poor cousin to Sigur Ros, Ben Howarth finds Icelandic group Mum increasingly ambitious and watches them play a surprisingly aggressive set at a captivating set at the Scala In London
Mum are an Icelandic electronica-based band, who have been consistently critically acclaimed since their debut album, ‘Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Was Okay’. And yet, they seem to have been consistently reduced in the eyes of many to a poor cousin of Sigur Ros. Granted, Sigur Ros are an exceptional band, and Mum share something of their hypnotic qualities. Yet, I would be astonished if the two bands were compared if they had not happened to be from the same country. On record, Mum's music has become increasingly sophisticated, and though many still hold an affection for that debut, there is little to dispute the fact that they have become more ambitious as they have aged. But that development pales in comparison with the transformation of their live show. Lucky to play in a small-ish venue that somehow manages to feel very grand when it is full of people, they now use the dynamics of their music to create a captivating live show, ably assisted by an extensive cast of backing musicians. What were often delicate songs on record became epics live, as the band extended songs and even found an aggressive side to their music that I had entirely missed. I last saw Mum when they closed the 2005 All Tomorrow’s Parties festival. Their music was magical then, too, but not this good. On stage, they seemed a timid bunch, and were happy to let the music speak for itself. Now, they seemed keener to ensure that nobody missed how good the music was. Perhaps the festive spirit had got to the band, perhaps they have just got better, but this concert was far better than I expected. On my way out, I heard one person say, "Best gig of the year". Not an entirely unreasonable assertion!
Picture Gallery:-


live reviews |
Old Vic, London, 25/4/2004 |
![]() |
Icelanders Mum are often seen to be enigmatic. At a show in the intimate surroundings of the London Old Vic, Emma Haigh watches them dispel with some myths and also create a few more |
reviews |
The Peel Session (2006) |
![]() |
Stunning release of atmospheric, deranged Icelandic quartet múm's Peel Session from 2002 |
Summer Make Good (2004) |
Finally We Are No One (2002) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Spear Of Destiny - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Pistol Daisys - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Badly Drawn Boy - Aviva Studios, Manchester, 18/4/2025
Nils Petter Molvaer - El Molino, Barcelona, 24/4/2025
Skunk Anansie - Old Market, Brighton, 16/5/2025
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPOasis - Oasis, Earl's Court, London, 1995
Boomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Serge Gainsbourg - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Susie Hug - Interview
Brad Elvis - Interview
Chuck Prophet - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Little Simz - Lotus
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Eddie Chacon - Lay Low
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart