Monkey Swallows the Universe

Monkey Swallows the Universe is an acoustic/indie band from Sheffield, England. MSTU is centred around its founders, Nat Johnson and Kevin Gori, who formed the band around 2004 after meeting at the University of Sheffield. In the band's first incarnation they both sang and played acoustic guitars with Gori adding extra touches with instruments such as the recorder and glockenspiel. The band later expanded to include Catherine Tully on violin, Andy George on cello and Rob Dean on drums. Nat Johnson became the main singer and song-writer. In 2006, the band released its first album The Bright Carvings on the small independent record label Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation. The band has been featured a number of times in Sandman magazine. In July 2006 MSTU released "Science" (b/w Happiness & Florence) as a CD single, and on 7" vinyl (b/w Happiness) also on Thee SPC.

On 11 April 2006, the band appeared on Gideon Coe's BBC 6music radio show, and played two songs live in session.

Monkey Swallows the Universe signed to Loose Records to release a second album The Casket Letters in summer 2007. The band also released a single from the album, Little Polveir, a song named after a racehorse which was an unlikely winner of the British Grand National.

On December 4th, 2007, the band announced via its official website that it would be taking an indefinite hiatus after touring.

Track listing of The Bright Carvings

1. Sheffield Shanty
2. Martin
3. Jimmy Down The Well
4. The Chicken Fat Waltz
5. Down
6. You Yesterday
7. Wallow
8. 22
9. Fonz You!
10. Still
11. Beautiful Never
12. Secret Word Is Groucho (hidden track)

Track listing of The Casket Letters

1. Statutory Rights
2. Bloodline
3. Science
4. Matterhoney
5. Gravestones
6. Little Polveir
7. Elizabeth & Mary
8. Ballad of the Breakneck Bride
9. Paper, Scissors, Stone
10. When the Work is Done

External links

• The band's website
• Nat Johnson official
• Thee SPC record label
• Loose Records