Mustard Gas and Roses
Becoming
(The Mylene Sheath)
For ex-Isis (the band) guitarist Mike Gallagher, it’s easy to see/hear why he started this little side project. Mustard Gas and Roses (MGR) is both similar to and different from Isis. It’s post-metal, yet it’s mostly instrumental and features heavy influence from folk and Western soundtracks. While MGR’s previous output was more mellow and cinematic, Gallagher brought in a full band for Becoming. This results in the band’s sound becoming more fleshed out. Sure, it feels a bit heavier, more post-metal than post-rock, yet it allows Gallagher to expand his sonic reach more than just channel his former act.
Take “The Flood” for example. It’s a well drawn-out tune that naturally comes to a crushing conclusion, yet the crescendo doesn’t feel forced or excessive. It’s organic and wonderful, and it leads almost perfectly into the anti-crescendo style of “End of the Line”, which relaxes and eases the tension over its five-minutes. Much of the record follows suit, as Becoming is full of smart, cinematic songwriting and features the type of tunes that will make Isis fans (the band, stupid terrorist group making it uncomfortable) very happy. However, despite some lamentation-style folk singing, MGR is able to tell an impressive tale of growth without the use of vocals.
That’s maybe what’s most impressive about Becoming: it’s able to feel hopeful amid the doom-laden riffing. The cover image depicts the sun rising (or falling) over a mountain range and illuminating a budding flower, and the music often feels like it channels that image. There’s a lot of darkness in this world, but if we strive for better, maybe we can be the light we want to see. Anyway, Gallgher has hit it out of the park with Becoming. It’s his best work with MGR and a real winner, a solid template for excellent instrumental rock.
