Mogul - Rotunda

by Laura Branch

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Elefant Records
Format: 7"

'Rotunda' sees the return of Mogul and their rickety brand of lo-fi, as part of the ongoing Elefant singles club. This 7” of delight is on pink flecked vinyl so it bears a passing resemblance to a Ref

Review

'Rotunda' sees the return of Mogul and their rickety brand of lo-fi, as part of the ongoing Elefant singles club. This 7” of delight is on pink flecked vinyl so it bears a passing resemblance to a Refresher. Indeed, this could be a fruitful analogy – Mogul are much like the fizzy sweet that is the Refresher – sugary sweet and moreish on the one hand yet with an underlying sourness – a razor sharp wit that could have your eye out if you’re not careful. The title track sees the first phase of the Speak and Spell fest which ensues. Yes, the toy which adorns the record sleeve, not only helped a generation of youngsters to spell but has also (thankfully) been hijacked by electro popsters everywhere – even Kraftwerk have utilised Speak and Spell technology. The track therefore, sees Mogul pay homage to the spherical phenomenon that is the Rotunda – a building which is regarded both as a sixties monstrosity, and as a kooky piece of architecture which we should protect and cuddle. The imposing sound of the uber-retro S+S plaything as it growls “Ro-tun-daaaa” onto the backdrop of Mogul’s “techno-bubblegum” seems really quite apt. The seventies computer madness returns on 'Mini Mogul' – another little instrumental which sees that darned S+S spelling out their name – something which has also been done by the (also) magnificent, Figurine. …And if you’re a devotee of Mogul’s trademark witty, insolent venom then there is plenty to be found on the other two tracks. 'Spit on You' is well, quite self-explanatory really – Singer Jonni gets into scary mode threatening to cover you in his spittle. Nice. 'Eat Yr Greens' however, demonstrates how Mogul are multi-talented even daring to practice a bit of wry social commentary on the sly. Jonni advises that we should “never compromise on hygiene” while singing about the joys of “smooth white surfaces: melamine”. Oh yes, and remembering to help your mum around the house. All in all then, 'Rotunda' provides us with Speak and Spell fuelled synth pop, which is only made better by the reassuring knowledge that Jonni and Candii, Mogul's synthesiser player, aren’t prepared to compromise on hygiene.