Exeter-connected project toMMaSPork released their new single ‘dOWN & dUMB’ on 2 October 2026, following their debut release, ‘Disgrace’.
The band describe ‘dOWN & dUMB’ as being filled with “overlapping ideas and sonic strangeness”. The bluesy, swampy song explores the imagery and feelings of addiction, struggle and resilience.
Over a funky drum beat, Stu delivers vocals and driving basslines, while lyricist Debbie contributes vocals sitting behind his lead. Mike’s guitar tones are influenced by his interest in Tinariwen and Khruangbin. The track also features a Led Zeppelin-inspired harmonica solo from Debbie, alongside homemade effects, choral chants and slide guitar.
About toMMaSPork
Mike Mangroo and Stu Pearce first met at Exeter University in 1990, where they formed the band 5 Men and a Dog Called Funk.
Mike has since been involved in a number of musical projects, most recently jazz band The Macaroons, while Stu plays bass, sings and writes songs across several projects.
More than three decades later, they rekindled their musical connection. The supplied information says that nothing is off limits for toMMaSPork, including alternative instrumentation and unusual time signatures, with the project drawing across rock, blues, funk, ambient, jazz and world music.
