Seemingly an album that has come out of nowhere, and one I almost missed, I’d like to take a moment to point out how damn fine the debut record from Berlin’s Man Looking Man is. Released on the ever-increasingly dependable Argonauta Records, this is 33 minutes of some of the most accomplished, layered and well-positioned post-hardcore I have heard this year.
Entering the consciousness via the eclectic ‘Symbols of Loss’ that darts and dives out of a hanging, almost futuristic intro – into realms that include post-apocalyptic soundscapes, post-metal velocity and distinctly Velvet Revolver-esque riffing in places, this album opens itself wide almost immediately. Building to the most memorable and exquisitely crafted centrepiece ‘369’, it’s clear that this collection of seasoned musicians mean business.
Vocally, there is an ever-present juxtaposition between the fragile, ethereal cleans and monumental barks that sit perfectly within a chaotic frenzy and, at times, distinctly mathy vortex. This rises to full effect during ‘Glide and Turn’ which wins the award for the heaviest track on this debut.
Standing out in a fairly well-populated genre is often difficult to do – but this record really does and is very much worthy of 33 minutes of anyone’s time. Go listen.
Best Paired With: A cold Beer, a handheld mirror and a dog at your feet.
Reviewed by Jaff.
Man Looking Man – man looking man is out now on argonauta records.
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