Man Mountain: These guys from Monroe, Michigan popped up on my Facebook feed tonight via an invite to an event. Though initially I was merely stoked for Stay Outside who slayed at Tuned Up’s inaugural festival (Steadfast Festival) this year, at the recommendation of Spacebar jack of all trades Bryan Yost, I clicked on the linked song “Lucerna.” One can draw several parallels between Man Mountain and Yost’s band The End of the Ocean in sound. Going off of this song alone, Man Mountain paves a road that’s more scenic and less emotional, but still packs a punch. This is loud but not too loud. This is colorful but not cosmic (i.e, God is an Astronaut). This is light but not ethereal (i.e. Sigur Ros).

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4HfKZmUP-o[/youtube]

Milan to Minsk: When my friend Jonathan Hape speaks up on music, I listen. Especially since the guy has admitted to being way behind on new tunes to me in the past. So, when you get a recommendation of something current – especially as under the radar as this band, I pay attention. The Brooklyn art-pop band is certainly worthy of our attention. I find the sound quite interesting – the song “Glasgow” in particular mixes a sort of jazz beat with some kind of woodwind instrument, whose melody gives me a sort of nostalgic feel. The vibe of the song changes to something of a Decemberists story once that trumpet kicks in and the song feels fuller. Amazing what the addition of one instrument can do. Check out the band performing “exercises in public transport planning” on the NYC site ThrdCoast’s Youtube channel below:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2p6BBWz7y8[/youtube]