Noel Gallagher is back in the limelight, this time lending his talents to the psychedelic supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos. He joins forces with two other Manchester legends, Shaun Ryder and Bez of Happy Mondays, on the band’s new single, Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous), set for release on January 19. The track will be available exclusively on vinyl, with sales taking place at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club, where the band will perform live on the same day.
Gallagher has nothing but praise for the band, describing them as “like Dylan, Dalí and Ginsberg on a rocket ship to the moon to have it with the Clangers.” It’s an apt description for a band that blends irreverent creativity with a psychedelic, experimental edge.
The song, which takes its name from Bez’s first band, is a six-minute epic described by drummer and co-producer Zak Starkey as “‘Free Bird’ for Mods.” Starkey, who played drums on Oasis’ Don’t Believe the Truth and Dig Out Your Soul, provides the track’s drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards. Gallagher delivers the chorus vocals, while Ryder takes on the verses, and Andy Bell, formerly of Ride and Oasis, contributes an extended guitar solo.
Starkey shares his excitement about collaborating with Gallagher, acknowledging the monumental impact of having a songwriting legend like Noel on board. “It’s not every day that the greatest songwriter of my generation – not to mention Shaun, the greatest beat poet of our times – sends a tune to me,” Starkey reflects. “Noel calls Shaun the ‘king of lyrics,’ and after witnessing his poetic brilliance, I get it.”
Mantra of the Cosmos formed in 2023, and their first official gig was at Glastonbury that same year. Gallagher’s admiration for Shaun Ryder is evident, with Noel having once texted Starkey: “Do you know what you’ve got? The British Bob Dylan.”
In an interesting twist, Starkey’s upcoming gigs at the Cavern Club will mark his first visit to the venue, which holds significant family history, thanks to his father Ringo Starr’s legendary association with The Beatles. “There’s a great deal of family heritage at the Cavern aside from the Beatles,” Starkey says, reminiscing about his parents’ connection to the venue. “Who knows, I may have even been conceived there!”
