Today we find ourselves on the cusp of the release of Ashes And Bone, the new album from Florida-based heavy rock outfit The Electric Mud. Out through Small Stone Recordings, this return falls three years after the release of the Black Wool EP. The result of those years is a bigger more aggressive sound, and a strong step forward for The Electric Mud idea. And the best news? You don’t even need to wait the extra day to hear it in full… Which also means you don’t need to read an attempt at my articulating how much I enjoy this thing. Instead, the full album is available for your streaming pleasure immediately after the jump. Make it happen, and I’ll see ya on the other side!

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Killer, right? The riffs are massive and dense, throwing off some awesome old school doom energy, but they’re used within a progressive, meandering structure that helps everything settle in really nicely. It’s plenty catchy, but not at the expense of any other quality or idea that distinguishes The Electric Mud’s style. It’s a just a super fulfilling, satisfying sound, start to finish. So from here I’ll turn this over to the Profile responses The Electric Mud were gracious enough to share so that we can all get more of a feel for what they are about.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I started playing guitar in high school like a lot of kids needing that outlet, and as I was getting into guitar you had your bands like Mastodon, Baroness, Torche, High on Fire, etc. really getting traction and hanging the landscape. My folks have always been supportive! They’re the kinda parents that just want to see their kids whole ass something that means something to them, so I’m fortunate beyond measure in that regard. 

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

After years of trying to figure that out I’d say we comp closest to some of the Seattle Sound stuff of the early 90’s. We’re rooted in the big riff and southern rock and prog of the 70’s, but filter that through the heavier contemporary influences of our time.

Is there one (or more) thing about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Just how grateful I am that we’re here, and this thing is coming out. The COVID years absolutely wrecked this band, and to see us together and this record coming out means the world.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

They are innumerable haha. Tour is a grand adventure punctuated by many hours of boredom, I’m fortunate to have experienced that with really funny, and really high character people.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

I think the decentralization of the music business has really returned things to the wild west, ya know? And there’s good and bad with that. You have more opportunity for visibility no matter the market you’re in. Negatively though, venue closures nationwide have really made it tough to keep traditionally thriving touring lanes intact.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

I think we try and tackle human themes that relate to what we all experience. The things we aspire to, the things we fear, they’re relatable in any language to anybody.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

In no particular order we have one LSAT tutor, one cybersecurity wiz, one warehouse manager, and one med tech student.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I think the more collaboration there is within the media bringing bands and labels and fans together, the more consolidation of the scene there is and the better off we are. Rock and rolls in tough shape these days, and if we wanna keep the wheels rolling we have to stick with each other and support each other.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

I’m all in on becoming a better dad, better bandmate, and graduating from fiancée to husband someday.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Anything by Julian Lage, and Horseburners new record “Voice of Storms”. The new Sturgill Simpson / Johnny Blue Skies is a must spin also.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

The new albums out 10/5 and we’ll be all over the region next year supporting it!

Summarize your band in one word.

Honest.

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Many thanks to The Electric Mud for the time!

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Ashes And Bone is out October 4 through Small Stone Recordings. For more information on The Electric Mud, give them a follow on Facebook or Instagram.