Don't Throw Me Away

The six-piece eclectic folk group the Mumlers’ second full-length album, Don't Throw Me Away, is a blend of multi-instrumental blues, soul, and rock that features glockenspiels, organs, and harmonicas. The organic feel of the Mumlers' work draws comparison to indie act Beirut, and this sophomore release is a solid contribution to that genre of eclectically blended folk traditions.

Lead singer Will Sprott's distant yet poignant vocals complement the songs’ arrangements. At times, Sprott’s voice resembles the Walkmen's Hamilton Leithauser, but the band's vocals are at their best when Sprott is joined by the backing harmonies of the Mumlers, such as on “Raise the Blinds” and “Coffin Factory.”

The Mumlers' ability to merge several instruments into tight, natural, rolling tunes makes for an album that's engaging from the start. From the organ solo on “99 Years Ago” to whistles littered throughout “Fugitive & Vagabond” and the stripped-down bass and ukelele of “Golden Arm & Black Hand,” the variety on Don't Throw Me Away gives this collection replay value.

Album title: Don't Throw Me Away
Artist: the Mumlers
Label: Galaxia
Songs: (1) Raise the Blinds, (2) St. James St., (3) Tangled Up with You, (4) Coffin Factory, (5) 99 Years Ago, Sunken City, (6) Golden Arm & Black Hand, (7) Fugitive & Vagabond, (8) Battlefield Postcard, (9) Don't Throw Me Away