mUmbo
When It Was Quiet

mUmbo, a trio split between the UK and Italy, has released their latest work, When It Was Quiet. The band consists of Doug MacGowan on guitars and bass, Emma Semple on vocals, viola, and violin, and Antonio Dalé on drums and percussion. The group formed through previous collaborations on other projects. While they all have very different musical backgrounds, they all share an interest in pushing the boundaries of musical exploration. The heady mix of influences is central to album with guitar, strings, vocals and percussion coming together to create an atmospheric sound.

The album draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Cocteau Twins, Mazzy Star, Goldfrapp, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Marr, and Billie Holiday. The focus throughout is on mood, melody, and texture rather than traditional genre conventions. The music was developed collaboratively across two countries, with most recording done in home studios and mixes exchanged digitally. This process allowed ideas to develop gradually, with each member responding to the others’ contributions.

When It Was Quiet includes standout tracks such as “You Can Do What You Want To,” which is cinematic and narrative-driven, and “You Know the Song” and “Worm Moon,” which lean into layered, atmospheric arrangements. All tracks share a sense of emotional resonance, presenting observation and reflection without heavy-handed storytelling.

Rather than focusing on live performance, mUmbo is currently preparing their music for sync opportunities in film, television, and other visual media. The album reflects five years of exploration into human experience, memory, and subtle emotional detail. When It Was Quiet is available now.