Album Review: Unspell by Mugwump

Taking your name from a character in William S. Burroughs' book Naked Lunch is a perfectly industrial, '80s, or left-field move, and as displayed on this debut album, Belgian DJ, producer, and party promoter Mugwump is influenced by them all. Unspell is a nocturnal beast that's often sleek but sharp and jagged where need be, and while it revels in the deep bass and reverb of New Beat and Electronic Body Music -- two dark '80s genres Belgium gave birth to -- it doesn't give way to any Lords of Acid-styled garishness.

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The Mugwump discography is both substantial and highly revered, so it comes as something of a surprise to report Unspell is Geoffroy Dewandeler’s first venture into long playing territory. Why now? Perhaps it’s a timely reminder, a celebration even, of a decade releasing records to make people dance? The act, essentially the Belgian producer with guests and colleagues in tow, has built up a loyal following off the back of winning cuts such as Boutade and Yajna. Dewandeler has recorded for dozens of labels, as well as mixing a couple of hugely enjoyable Hi-Phen Pile Up compilations in the mid-2000s.

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Geoffroy Dewandeler, the artist better known as Mugwump, has done a lot in his 25-year career. He's worked in Antwerp's best record stores, was the first resident DJ at Ibiza's KM5, and later became a key member of the team at Belgium's legendary Food club. As a producer, he has put out EBM, house and techno tracks on labels as diverse as R&S and Permanent Vacation.

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