The Mummies group was created in 1988 (In the USA, California). The musical style is "garage punk". This male group included: Trent Ruane (vocalist, organ), Maz Catua (bassist), Larry Winter (guitarist), Russell Kwon (drummer).
The first performances were often held at the same concerts with another group representing the direction of The Phantom Surfers. The main stage in the early period was the city of San Francisco. The stage image was chosen according to the name: tattered mummy costumes made of bandages.
A distinctive feature of the "garage punk" direction is the high speed of performance, the presence of jazz chords, and the absence of additional sound processing. Recordings are often created independently, at home.
The group can be considered "marginal", in the good sense of the word. The Mummies drove to their concerts in an old 1963 Pontiac van. The car had a bright coloring and was stylized as an ambulance.
Until the early 2000s, the band's recordings could only be found on vinyl. The team opposed the re-release of their tracks on CD. Performers played with obsolete instruments in principle. The essence of the idea: "budget rock" (rock in a "budget" performance) and the aesthetic direction of "DIY", where status and professionalism are not recognized. Many connoisseurs loved the team precisely for this. Example: the famous English musician and artist Billy Chayldish considered the group to be his favorite and the best among garage artists.
Creativity of the early period of The Mummies
The Mummies' debut concert took place at the Chi Chi Club in 1988 (San Francisco). The early periods of creativity were strongly influenced by surf rock of the 60s and the works of old garage bands such as The Sonics. Something was adopted from the work of contemporaries in the direction of "garage punk" (from Thee Mighty Caesars). New trends and changes The Mummies denied, the style remained unchanged throughout the entire period of active performances.
The group recorded their first single on the territory of a furniture warehouse. That Gril came out in 1990 and was re-released six years later in 1996. This song and other songs of that time (Example: "Skinny Minnie") were released on the band's debut album "The Mummies Play Their Own Records" in the same 1990.
The next step was the release of a full-length album of the group. The back rooms of a musical instrument store were chosen as a recording site. Mike Marikonda was present, sent by Crypt Record." The first experience was not successful and The Mummies refused to release the singles recorded at that time.
It was not the quality of the performance, but the fact that the band members themselves did not like the sound in the new version. Later, unreleased songs were included in a separate edition of "Fuck the Mummies".
They tried again in 92, and this time successfully. Never been Caught, the band's full-length album, was released.
Creativity of the late period and the completion of joint work
The Mummies tour of the United States took place in '91. The trip was shared with British garage-direction group Thee Headcoats. At the end of the tour, the band released "Never Been Caught", their second album.
The band officially disbanded in 1992 due to internal disagreements.
Attempts to revive The Mummies
The band got together several times between 1993 and 1994 and recorded their third album Party at Steve's House. This collection was created in an industrial warehouse. Darrin (Supecharger band) was then invited as a bassist. During these years, the team held two tours in Europe. On the second trip, they had Beez (representative of The Smugglers) on bass.
Another attempt to reunite the group occurred in 2003. Then their vinyl record "Death by Unga Bunga" was re-released on disc media.
It was not possible to return to joint performances on an ongoing basis. The Mummies met periodically as part of separate American and European shows. Examples: In 2008, in Auckland ("Stork Club"), the event was not previously announced.
In the same year, the band performed at a themed carnival in Spain. The team participated in the Paris Music Festival (2009). The American Budget Rock Festival (San Francisco) hosted the band twice in 2009.
During the period of their work, the group created 3 full-length albums, 6 records (some were re-released on CDs), 17 singles. In addition, the artists' works are included in a number of genre compilation albums. There were 8 such joint publications in total.
Interesting facts about the participants
- After The Mummies broke up, Maz Catua's bassist took on the Christina and the Bippies project.
- Russell Kwon (drummer) supported the Supercharger team. Connoisseurs note the peculiar, unique style of playing the instrument and the peculiar manner of dancing of this performer.
- Larry Winter continued his independent practice on the guitar, composing songs.
- Trent Ruane (organ and vocals) performed with The Untamed Youth and The Phantom Surfers after The Mummies broke up.
- Maz Catua and Larry Winter continued to work together as The Batmen (in California).
The Mummies should be given credit for their consistency in following the principles of "budget rock". Throughout their career, this team has recorded their tracks in an atmospheric environment that matches the style. Worn-out instruments and the simplest sound processing technique were used.
Recognition among fans of the genre is confirmed by repeated successful tours across America and Europe. The group is forever inscribed in the history of the "garage punk" movement, its former members still continue their work.
