It’s often cruel to judge a band by the first song on their album, but in Swanton Bombs’ case you get a picture-perfect view of what the rest of Mumbo Jumbo And Murder is going to be like. 'Swanton Bombs' is all heavy riffs and energetic drum fills, but is only lacking one crucial factor: vocals.Second track ‘Who’s Asking?’ begins well, sustaining the rock’n’roll attitude of the first track. That is, until Dominic McGuinness opens his mouth. He seems to have a reluctance and whole-hearted refusal to follow any kind of tune, andthe music follows suit; meaning that the final 30 or so seconds alone could induce a terminal migraine. In fact, it’s so difficult to make out what’s going on that the two band members could simply have smashed their instruments off the floor and proceeded to argue with each other ”“ it’s impossible to tell if this was left in as an accident.‘Viktoria’ features yet more horrifically grating vocals. Complete choruses fall by the wayside until McGuinness decides to give way to the band’s best attribute: musicianship. Some of the riffs on Mumbo Jumbo And Murder are among the most accomplished committed to record, and some of Brendan Heaney’s drum fills ”“ particularly those on ‘Swanton Bombs’ - are an absolute joy to behold. And when McGuinness quietens down a little bit, like he does on ‘Crowbar’, the results are actually fairly acceptable.It’s the same with the low-tempo ‘Doom’ ”“ the vocals are quelled slightly in order to adhere to the tune. The effect is so unexpected, given the previous four songs, that ‘Doom’ comes across as being, well, pretty good. In fact, when ‘Waistland’ (I do enjoy a good pun) starts, you’re more open-minded and willing to give them a second chance. Once again the riffs don’t disappoint, and the frantic pace is foot-stompingly friendly.Despite their early reluctance to sing from the same hymn sheet Swanton Bombs do eventually deliver. McGuinness’ vocals are questionable at best, but a lot of the time it doesn’t matter when the music is as good as what's found here. It’ll not make any ‘best of’ lists, but you’ll not regret your time spent in the two piece’s company either.