A Funk-Infused Reflection on Modern Life

The Mustard’s latest single, “The Sign,” doesn’t just groove — it glimmers. The Bracknell-based band has built a reputation for blending sharp lyricism with rich, textured sound, and this release takes that balance to new heights. Written by bassist Mike Jackson, the track captures humanity’s restless tendency to take shortcuts, only to face the fallout later — but rather than lecture, it invites reflection through rhythm.

From the first pulse of the bassline, you sense The Mustard’s Duran Duran and Level 42 influences, yet they twist that familiar 80s shimmer into something distinctly their own. Charles’s vocals ring out with crystalline clarity, cutting cleanly through the funk-laced instrumentation like sunlight through glass. The live-recorded feel adds an honest warmth — you can almost imagine the band feeding off each other’s energy in the studio.

Produced by Steve “Smiley” Barnard at Sunshine Corner Studios, “The Sign” carries an effortless polish that never overshadows its heart. There’s a tension between smooth production and raw intent — a sonic tug-of-war that makes the song linger long after it ends.

If The Mustard’s goal was to push boundaries while staying true to their core sound, they’ve nailed it. “The Sign” stands as both a philosophical nudge and a dance-floor call — a reminder that even in the shortcuts we take, there’s rhythm worth noticing.