Album Review: Man Band – Strong Man (Faith Healer Records)

Featuring ex-members of OHHMS, the genre fluid heavy band, Man Band will release their debut record ‘Strong Man’, out 17th April via Faith Healer Records.

Not just exciting times, but experimental times, Man Down are a band all fans of heavy music should be paying attention to, even if opinions about them might end up being polarising. All because what they offer is a bit weird, but it’s also a bit wonderful, and extremely memorable. Featuring six tracks that expand in unexpected, but thrilling, ways.

Every band wants their debut record to land hard, to turn heads, get people talking, and that is what I think Man Band have done here. Calling themselves ‘genre fluid’ isn’t just a pithy way to avoid boxing themselves in, it’s a matter of fact and all the proof comes from these six songs. Anything was game, and that means each comes with unique structures, clashing elements, disconcerting touches, clever twists on familiar formulas, and so much more.

The effect the album has on the mind is impressive and even though it is a thoroughly challenging listen, it excites. I particularly like it when they drop all cautious pretence and just let loose in noisy fashion. There, a different kind of vibrancy can be found, and it comes with punk sensibilities, hardcore energy, heavy rock anthemic edges, and potent opinions. There may be no better track that showcases that than the finale of Ian’s Song, but I won’t spoil why. I’ll simply say that a near ten-minute runtime isn’t as straight-forward as it sounds.

That’s what brings things to an end though. Before that, there is the maddening addictiveness of Dane Valley. The intense My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad and the relentless and droning mania that The Nutter offers. Then there is the more melody-laced Captain Sensible, sitting uncomfortably alongside the feral Men Don’t Cry. A personal favourite and one of Man Band’s most intoxicating sounding efforts.

It’s a debut that leaves you wanting so much more. I’d say that’s mission accomplished.

Man Band – Strong Man Track Listing:

1. Dane Valley
2. My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad
3. The Nutter
4. Captain Sensible
5. Men Don’t Cry
6. Ian’s Song

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