The Underground of Happiness

Here's a review I wrote for We Are Noise , originally published on this link - http://wearenoise.com/index.php/2012/09/mumblin-deaf-ro-dictionary-crimes-popical-island/ . The reason I'm reprinting it here is that I think it's a monumental piece of work, as you can read below. Not just that though. I think there's something about it that could even salvage the whole "singer-songwriter" tag. So if you're someone who thinks that tag has been demeaned by bawlers or chancers or moaners or emoters, give this a go. It might renew your faith in something. The third album by Mumblin’ Deaf Ro is largely autobiographical, the songs dealing with bereavement, grief and parenthood, among other things, and shows the touch of a true writer. In fact, it might just put the “writer” back into “singer-songwriter”. The songs launch from small, everyday situations, leading to broader emotional and philosophical reveries, much like some of the best short stories do. The...