Mantra of the Cosmos, a newly formed supergroup hailing from North West England, is poised to release their debut single, “Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous),” on January 19th. This ensemble boasts a rich tapestry of musical talent, including Happy Mondays stalwarts Shaun Ryder and Bez, former Oasis bassist Andy Bell, and Ringo Starr’s son, Zak Starkey on drums. Adding to the excitement, the legendary Oasis guitarist and songwriter, Noel Gallagher, has lent his musical prowess to the single, further solidifying the group’s impressive pedigree. “Domino Bones” will be officially launched with performances at the iconic Cavern Club in Liverpool, a venue steeped in musical history, most notably as a formative performance space for The Beatles. The single will also be available for purchase online in limited edition red and blue vinyl.
“Domino Bones,” a six-minute opus, features a dynamic interplay between Ryder’s verses and Gallagher’s contributions on the chorus. The song’s title pays homage to Bez’s pre-Happy Mondays band. Gallagher, known for his lyrical genius and distinctive guitar work, has described Mantra of the Cosmos as a unique blend of artistic forces, likening them to “Dylan, Dali, and Ginsberg on a rocket ship to the moon to have it with the Clangers.” This evocative description hints at the experimental and potentially psychedelic nature of the supergroup’s sound. The collaboration promises a fascinating fusion of musical styles, blending the Manchester indie rock sensibilities of Oasis with the Madchester rave influences of Happy Mondays.
The supergroup’s lineup boasts a significant Oasis connection beyond Noel Gallagher’s involvement. Andy Bell, a prominent figure in the Britpop scene, served as Oasis’s bassist from 1999 until the band’s dissolution in 2009, having previously made a name for himself as a guitarist for the shoegaze band Ride. Following Oasis’s breakup, Bell joined Liam Gallagher’s band, Beady Eye, until its demise in 2014. Zak Starkey, meanwhile, has a history of collaborating with both The Who and Oasis, showcasing his drumming skills on tracks from Oasis albums like “Don’t Believe the Truth” and “Dig Out Your Soul.” His presence in Mantra of the Cosmos brings a further layer of musical experience and lineage to the group.
Starkey, reflecting on the experience of working with Gallagher and Ryder, expressed his awe at receiving a song from “the greatest songwriter of my generation” and “the greatest beat poet of our times,” highlighting the pressure he felt to do justice to the material. He also expressed enthusiasm for the finished product, stating that “It came together great – everyone digs it!” The choice of the Cavern Club for the single launch is laden with personal significance for Starkey, who noted not only its historical connection to the Beatles but also its importance in his family history: “Can’t believe I’ve never even been there. There’s a great deal of family heritage at the Cavern aside from the Beatles my parents courted there… who knows I may have even been conceived there!”
While Gallagher’s involvement in the single is confirmed, his presence at the Cavern Club performances remains uncertain. The two scheduled shows on January 19th will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event for fans eager to witness the new supergroup’s debut. The combination of Ryder’s eccentric stage presence, Bell’s solid bass lines, Starkey’s powerful drumming, and the potential appearance of Gallagher himself promises a memorable and unique musical experience. The release of “Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous)” marks an intriguing development in the British music landscape, bringing together established musicians from different generations and musical backgrounds to create something potentially groundbreaking.
Beyond the immediate focus on Mantra of the Cosmos, the music world anticipates the much-rumored Oasis reunion tour slated for 2025. Both Noel and Liam Gallagher have confirmed plans for a 41-date global tour, marking the first time the iconic band will perform together since their acrimonious split in 2009. The tour, spanning Ireland, the UK, North America, Asia, Australia, and South America, includes two landmark performances at London’s Wembley Stadium. Kicking off in Cardiff, Wales, on July 4th, the tour represents a significant moment for Oasis fans worldwide, who have long hoped for a reconciliation and return of the legendary Britpop band. The reunion tour adds another layer of intrigue to Noel Gallagher’s involvement with Mantra of the Cosmos, suggesting a period of renewed creative energy and a willingness to explore new musical avenues while simultaneously revisiting past glories.
