Man Man at Underground Arts (Jun 15 2024)

Man Man

Man Man is an experimental band from Philadelphia, known for their chaotic blend of avant-garde jazz, punk rock, and vaudeville elements. The band is led by the enigmatic figure Honus Honus (real name Ryan Kattner), whose energetic and often theatrical stage presence defines much of the group’s live performances. They emerged in the mid-2000s as part of a wave of bands that challenged conventional rock norms, often being compared to artists like Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart due to their eclectic and surreal approach to music and instrumentation.

Musical Influences:

Man Man’s influences are a vibrant tapestry of 20th-century music styles, including but not limited to blues, jazz, vaudeville, and punk rock. They also draw a great deal from Eastern European folk and other global music traditions, which is evident in their use of accordion, xylophone, and marimba among more traditional rock instruments.

Representative Songs:

1. “Black Mission Goggles” - A track from their second album, “Six Demon Bag,” which showcases their blend of surreal lyrics and carnival-like melodies.
2. “Rabbit Habits” - The title track from their 2008 album, it provides a good sense of their quirky and frantic musical style.
3. “Head On” - From the album “On Oni Pond,” this song is slightly more accessible but still retains the band’s signature eccentricity and playful complexity.

Man Man’s music is not just heard; it is experienced, blending a carnival-esque spectacle with deeply emotional and often bizarre storytelling. Their live shows are particularly renowned, often involving costumes, unpredictable antics, and a lot of audience interaction, making their upcoming concert a must-see for fans of avant-garde and eclectic music.

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