Some General Information:
muler is
David Baumgartnervocals
Kristin Durso guitar
Will Veeder bass
Sean Leahy drums



muler is a band from Rochester, New York. They have been around for about 4 or 5 years, entertaining fans throughout the North East. If you are a fan of good guitar driven rock, in a fun-as-hell live show, they are a must see. There is a mailing list that gets thrown around on email that updates muler patients of the latest doings. The list is growing everyday, so get on it and tell a friend. Drop a line and tell us you want on!

Their releases include: Debut Album, "The State of Play" on Dedicated Records, Carbon ep "trappers, ghostrider, here comes nod" single, "share an apple/unashamed 7", "fear into fuel" a paint chip records compilation, 8 song self titled cassette, "popfest" compilation cd, split 7" "naked frame/rollerskater", "thrush/toothfairies favorite" 7" from Carbon Records, "Things we're made of" Compilation also from Carbon, and a Deep Elm Records "on the rug/slowpoke" 7".

The best way for you to get more information on muler is to read some of the press clippings and reviews (Also check out Dedicated's Muler Bio below). Last time I tried to describe muler I was rediculed and mocked by those who should be most grateful toward me and shall remain anonymous. So check out the reviews, they're worth the time reading.


Dedicated Records Muler Bio (7/17/97)
The State of Play Review


MULER came into being in Rochester, NY in early 1993. The band consists of Dave Baumgartner (vocals), Kristin Durso (guitar), Will Veder (bass), and Sean Leahy (drums). To date, the band has released three seven inch singles, a split seven inch EP with Lift, an eight song cassette and has made numerous contributions to local compilations. The State of Play, is the band's first full-length CD release. Since this is likely your first exposure to Muler, allow me to set forth a few salient ideas for contemplation.

MULER IS A GREAT ROCK BAND. Muler will earn theirplace in a small group of bands from the last decade that have proven to posses both 'accessibiblity' and real staying power; Dinosaur Jr., Yo La Tengo, Archers of Loaf, Pixies, etc. All of these bands have just as much punk and straight out rock n' roll in the mix. In Muler's case, the concert experience has really driven this point home. Live, the band is sloppy, drunk, unbelievably exuberant, and louder than hell- just like all really great rock bands. With The State of Play, producer/engineer Adam "Red" lasus has accurately preserved the energy and intensity (and the fun) of a live Muler show on plastic.

MULER IS A SUPER ROCK BAND, PERIOD. THEIR NEW RECORD ROCKS.
Did I mention hooks? Beware; the day after listening to The State of Play, you will wake up with one or more of the songs stuck in you head, and it will stay firmly planted thereall day. Baumgartner has a remarkable and enviable gift for the timelss and melodic line, and Durso seems to have an endless supply of tasty guitar hooks. His warm, distorted guitar matched with Veeder's fat, thick bass lines create such a rich harmonic underpinning which is filled in by the busy but simple patterns of Leahy's playing. It is a classic sound that is given a unique spin by Muler's penchant for giving that well worn pop chord just the right twist to make it new and refreshing.

THE STATE OF PLAY begins with the quiet opening of "Wrong Coat". However, when Durso hits the distortion pedal 15 seconds into it, we're in a non-stop ride. Throughout the record, Muler and Red use the studio to its fullest extent, without the slightest trace of overkill. The production is playful, creative, and (dare I say?) superbly tasteful. Witness the way "Caesar's Palace" starts off with a clean, sparse guitar sound and plaintive backing vocals, suddenly erupting into a finale filled with roaring guitars and veritable choir of Daves, creating an almost majestic beauty; or how "Aspirin", which is often given the rough and tough treatment live, is here turned into an echoey and spacious paean to isolation, reminiscnet of rainy days and or deserted expanses. Elsewhere, guest appearances and/or extra instruments add nicely to the regular rock mix; "Honey Fondue"'s Sonic Youth/Chapel Hill-style tension is heightened by spoken and distorted vocals courtesy of Carbon Record's Head Honcho/local scenester Joe Tunis; a string quartet arrangement helps to exploit the droney sections of the lovely and party like atmosphere of "Birthday Cake". red also does an excellent job with the more straight ahead productions, including "Sahre and Apple", "Something Sour", "Son of Karate", "Rubber Shoes", and "Sneakers". (the latter filled with warm sounds of a Casio keyboard) "When They Were Ultimatum", the album's closer, ends the proceedings on a restrained and quiet note, with delayed vocals and distant drums, reminiscent of Galaxie 500/ Yo La Tengo. There is way too much to adequatly describe here-- you'll simply have to listen yourself to full appreciate it.
Discography Press Clippings and Reviews Baby Bongo's Top Ten Sound clips Photos