A Cruel Trick is the 4th single taken from Maudlin Tales of Grief and Love, the debut LP from Mystery Tiime, the post-punk project from Ayman Rostom aka The Maghreban. 

The song, a favourite from the album and live shows, comes with a brand new dub interpretation by the artist himself as well as an in instrumental form. 

“This one is about innocence being discarded. Fairy tales dropping away and terrifying realisations bubbling up in their place.” says Rostom.

Released in October 2024, the response to Maudlin Tales of Grief and Love has been overwhelming. Support & enthusiasm has come from every side of the musical spectrum. Tom Ravenscroft has been a great champion, booking in a live session for The New Music Fix on 6Music. Another live session was for Gilles Peterson who declared the LP one his LPs of 2024. Mary Anne Hobbs & Nemone, Tim Sweeney on Apple, Erol Alkan, Trevor Jackson, Bill Brewster & Optimo on NTS have also provided radio support.

DJ’s as diverse as Jamie Jones, Paul Woolford, Luke Unabomber, Sean Johnston, Kruder & Dorfmiester, Chloè, Vladimir Ivkovic, Mark Broom, Jennifer Cardini and Axel Boman have all responded with kind words & great enthusiasm and Brooklyn Vegan, The Arts Desk, Hi-Fi Choice and BanBanTonTon have all written nice words.