Standard Edition: $5.00
The Men
Electric b/w Water Babies
Never content to draw on the same methods twice, nor to recline under the heel of expectation, The Men quit the city in early 2012 to head for Big Indian, NY — transforming a remote Catskills locale into a full-fledged stray dog studio home. Taking complete advantage of dry eyes and clear mountain mornings, the band has never before so thoroughly surrendered their writing process, or themselves for that matter, to the recording environment.
A-Side “Electric” is a gnarled, heaving ache of a windup, at once brown and blossoming; full to the brim with choked-back bottle rocket guitars, Nick Chiericozzi’s vocals wreathing it all in the helpless, unavoidable compulsion that drives the group forward in the first place. If one were to boil The Men down to their most essential — this would be the stone left behind. A stark contrast to its accomplice, B-side “Water Babies” is a different affair altogether. Welcomed into the fold early last year, bassist Ben Greenberg grabs the reins running as the prime mover behind this resigned, cracked-throat descending homage, lacquered thick in as much indifference and disbelief as it is frustrated absorption.
“Electric” b/w “Water Babies” is the perfect introductory glimpse into the panoramic full-length and companion EP, forthcoming March 5 and late 2013, respectively. Swelling their captivation with smudged Americana to untried new peaks, as a whole The Men’s Big Indian sessions come down as reaffirmation that they truly are that rare restless force, which pulses on regardless of era, affiliation or blessing. Come dance if you want to.
