Monkey Swallows the Universe
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Sheffield , England |
| Products | Indie folk music albums and singles |
Monkey Swallows the Universe (MSTU) was an acoustic and indie ensemble originating from Sheffield, England, recognized for their folk-influenced and twee musical style. Their band name was inspired by an episode of the Japanese television series Monkey. MSTU remained active between 2004 and 2008.
History
The formation of MSTU took place in 2003 when Nat Johnson and Kevin Gori met at the University of Sheffield. Initially, both contributed vocals and played acoustic guitars, with Gori also incorporating recorder and glockenspiel into their sound. The group later grew to include Catherine Tully on violin, Andy George on cello, and Rob Dean on drums, with Johnson taking the role of lead vocalist and principal songwriter. Their debut album, The Bright Carvings, was released in February 2006 through the independent label Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation. The band received attention through features in Sandman magazine.
On April 11, 2006, MSTU performed two tracks live on BBC 6 Music's Gideon Coe program. That May, they supported Richard Hawley during three UK tour dates, followed by five shows supporting The Long Blondes. In July 2006, they issued the single "Science" on both CD and 7" vinyl via Thee SPC.
In August 2007, MSTU signed with Loose Records to release their sophomore album, The Casket Letters. Ahead of the album launch, they released the single "Little Polveir," named after the unexpected British Grand National winning horse from 1989. Their live radio appearances included sessions on Radio 4's Loose Ends, and they performed at notable UK festivals such as Latitude, Green Man, Truck, Secret Garden Party, and End of the Road. In September 2007, a download-only single titled "Bloodline" was made available, featuring a cover of Jonathan Richman's "Ice Cream Man," which they also performed on Marc Riley's show on BBC 6 Music.
Following a tour, MSTU announced an indefinite break on December 4, 2007; their final concert took place in Edinburgh on February 11, 2008. After this hiatus, Nat Johnson embarked on a solo career, releasing the single "Dirty Rotten Soul" in 2008. In 2009, she reunited with Kevin Gori to form Nat Johnson and the Figureheads, releasing albums under Damaged Goods Records and Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation.
Johnson also provided vocals for David Rotheray's album The Life of Birds on the track "Flying Lessons," as well as for Rory McVicar's Another Sleepless Night with Rory McVicar. She released solo singles "DOG" in May 2014 and "Not Now Horse" in September 2014, followed by her seven-track album Neighbour of the Year in November that same year.
In March 2016, MSTU reunited for a special performance at Queens Social Club in Sheffield to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut album The Bright Carvings.
The Bright Carvings (2006)
- Sheffield Shanty
- Martin
- Jimmy Down the Well
- The Chicken Fat Waltz
- Down
- You Yesterday
- Wallow
- 22
- Fonz You!
- Still
- Beautiful Never
- Secret Word Is Groucho (hidden track)
The Casket Letters (2007)
- Legal Entitlements
- Ancestry
- Scientific Insights
- Matterhoney
- Memorial Stones
- Little Polveir
- Elizabeth & Mary
- The Ballad of the Breakneck Bride
- Paper, Scissors, Stone
- Completion of Work
Critical reception
- "Charming indie pop" – Daily Telegraph
- "Move over Charles Darwin and inform those proponents of musical evolution — Sheffield has more Monkeys beyond the Arctic variety." – The Mirror