MIKE GALE – “GRUMBLE PIE”
A SPILL EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE
Today we have the pleasure of introducing our readers to the charming and grounding musical output of UK-based folk-inspired indie pop artist Mike Gale. Recalling the groovy yet elevating offerings of such artists as Sufjan Stevens, The Mamas & The Papas, and Cat Stevens, his forthcoming album Thanks For Always Waving is not far off in the musical horizon with a release date of September 8.
Sounding like something Tame Impala and The Beach Boys might have performed together under the heavy influence of Paul Simon, ‘Grumble Pie’ is the second single from this collection, which is significant as his 20th album in 20 years and the twelfth album released under his own name, having previously written and performed under the Co-Pilgrim and Black Nielson.
The music itself is like a dream state that washes over the listener in one sitting, inspiring the listener to repeat this beautiful percussion-led composition again and again. Adorned with easy grace, this is triumphal folk-pop at its finest.
Gale may not be a name most are familiar with, but his musical is inspiring feel-good indie pop. Generating catchy melodies and harmonies is something he excels at, as demonstrated by his latest single an atypical summer anthem, wishing for the hot season to pass and for autumn to arrive. An interesting fact: The accompanying video was filmed in Suzhou, China by Matt Wallwork and features the artist Kimvi.
“I’ve been listening to a lot of Tall Dwarfs music and their use of rhythm and space. I really love those guys and I think ‘Grumble Pie’ owes a lot to them. I found the really cool, driving percussion sample first and built the song up from there. I suppose that, lyrically, it’s about trying to focus on the things you have, rather than don’t have. Seems like something that should be easy to do,” says Mike Gale.
“I remember Grumble Pie being that song that happens with most albums I’ve done, where you get a feel for the direction the album is going to go. I felt like I had a handle on the rest of the recording after this one. I also left my mistake in the guitar solo bit to remind myself never to do solos.”
While a multi-instrumentalist, playing all the instruments heard on this album, Gale considers himself to be primarily a guitarist. Singing for as long as he can remember, he formally began playing a the guitar and writing his own music around 20, citing The Lemonheads as a big influence in those early years.
Born in Southampton and raised there for some years, Mike Gale spent a good chunk of his childhood in North Devon and some of his formative years in Oxford, New York and Melbourne before returning home to settle on his beloved south coast of England.
With Gale taking melodic and percussive cues from influences such as Tall Dwarfs, Pavement and The Clean, ‘Thanks for Always Waving’ is ultimately one of his most pop-orientated albums to date, filled with mellow bongo beats and gentle washes of wavey organs.
Mike Gale explains, “I’m naturally introverted and have never enjoyed being onstage in front of people, so performing live was always my least favourite part of making music. Now I’m solo I feel no pressure to perform live at all, maybe one day but for now I’m happy. Recording by myself at home seemed to open a flood of songs and creativity. I think the lack of any expectations just helped me make music for the pure enjoyment of it.”
As of August 8, ‘Grumble Pie’ can be found via the finest digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the full album can already be pre-ordered.
CREDITS
Written and performed by Mike Gale
Produced, recorded and mixed by Mike Gale
Mastered by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Circus Devils)
Single cover photo by Akira Deng
Also treat yourself to the video for the lead single “Summer Be Gone”:
Mike Gale
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Artist Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MIKE GALE – THANKS FOR ALWAYS WAVING
