Minneapolis Band Mouthful to Pause Touring for New Record
The five-member group plans to shift focus from live performances to songwriting and production following the release of their recent EP.
By Ethan Cooper ·
Minneapolis indie rock group Mouthful is pausing its live performance schedule to concentrate on new music. The band, which recently played at 7th Street Entry, intends to spend the coming winter writing and producing new material rather than touring. This shift allows the members to refine their sound and develop songs that reflect recent personal experiences.
Mouthful formed several years ago when singer-songwriter Bean Bastounes was an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota. During her student years, Bastounes frequented local venues and became invested in the Minneapolis music scene. She met guitarist Chloe Penny at a birthday party, where the two discussed their shared interest in music on the porch. Penny offered to play Bastounes's songs, establishing the core partnership for the band.
The group expanded its lineup over the past year. Bassist Mia Pariseau and drummer Alex Waibel joined the band after being fans of their earlier work. Guitarist Emily Schnoover also became a member during this period. The addition of these musicians completed the current five-person lineup. Waibel and Pariseau both cited the emotional impact of the band's lyrics and sound as primary reasons for joining.
The band released its first EP with the full current lineup in May 2026. Titled Grieving Ritual, the project features songs inspired by Bastounes's personal life, including a breakup and a bout of pneumonia. The track Fruit Fly specifically draws from a fruit fly infestation in Bastounes's apartment. The lyrics rely heavily on imagery and creative writing techniques, a style Penny describes as connecting unconnected elements to form a narrative in the listener's mind.
The band's recent performance at 7th Street Entry on Nov. 5 showcased their adaptability. Guitarists Penny and Schnoover were absent from that show, prompting the remaining members to alter their approach. They incorporated a pedal steel guitar, a violin, and an acoustic guitar to create a different sonic texture. Bastounes noted that this configuration allowed the group to focus on intentionality in their delivery rather than relying on volume.
Bastounes leads the songwriting process, bringing lyrics and chord structures to practice sessions. The other members then compose their individual parts and integrate them into the collective sound. The group values collaborative development, with each member contributing to the final arrangement. This process allows them to balance loud, upbeat tracks with slower, melancholic pieces.
Members of Mouthful often cite the accessibility of the Minneapolis music scene as a factor in their development. Pariseau has attended local shows since her mid-teens and notes that many venues charge little to no admission. This environment fosters a community where artists and listeners can connect easily. The band aims to maintain this honesty and relatability in their new material.
Mouthful has scheduled its next live appearance for Feb. 4, 2026, at 7th Street Entry. Until then, the band will focus on recording new songs. Their existing music is available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. The group also uses its Instagram account, @mouthfulmusic, to announce upcoming shows and releases.
