'Stumpwork' by Dry Cleaning Takes on New, Unique Direction

Written by Andrea Cacho, Photo by Guy Golongaro

Spoken word alt-rock band Dry Cleaning released their second studio album, Stumpwork, on Friday, October 21st. The songs range from gritty guitar chords to heavy percussion instrumentals to whistling - from what we know so far, this album will be a thrill. 

The South London natives have previously released several singles teasing this project that explore humor, contradiction, politics, and a lost family tortoise. “No Decent Shoes for Rain” is exceedingly melodic, until about three minutes in when the whole composition stops. After a few seconds, a solo, high pitched guitar comes in. The mood changes - it feels forbidden, yet politically overwhelming. “What is this toxic sludge?” lead singer Florence Shaw asks.

Another favorite, “Gary Ashby,” is about the lost family tortoise. Contrary to most of Dry Cleaning’s discography, there’s a bit of singing on this track, and you can really dance to it. “Gary Ashby” outshines the others in terms of comedic appeal, but “Anna Calls From the Arctic” brings out the wackiness of the bureaucratic. “Don’t Press Me” focuses on the anger that comes from someone else touching your stuff, with a fun little play on words, “So don’t touch my gaming mouse, you rat.” 

The album and single artwork were created by Rottingdean Bazaar and photographer Annie Collinge. Having formulated a unique visual era for Dry Cleaning, the artists have introduced the band to a more humoristic, yet sweetly appetizing approach to their brand. The album covers share the surreal comedy of the everyday with hair on a bar of soap, a turtle drawn onto a foot, and rocks in the shape of an old-timey phone.