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You’d have to see it to believe it
Man Man set to bring “kitchen sink” pop to Milwaukee
By Alex Rewey
Man Man @ Turner Hall Ballroom Fri, Oct. 17th 8 p.m. $15
Conventional isn’t the first word that comes to mind when attempting to describe Philadelphia’s bizarrely visual act Man Man.
“We’re a word of mouth band. That’s great,” says Honus AKA Ryan, lead singer and front man to the eclectically styled Philly fivesome. In the seven years of their existence, the group has become infamously known for their diverse instrumentation and enthusiastically chaotic live shows.
Though critics and fans alike have struggled to pin the group with an accurate label, Honus views the group’s sound as a sort of “kitchen-sink pop,” due in part to their affinity for unorthodox percussion and stylistic influences covering everything from swamp rock growls to traditional big band jazz.
“It makes sense to us at the time,” jokes Honus. “Sometimes, you feel like a professional mover. You ask yourself, do I really need this 1950s fire extinguisher to bang on in three songs. Yes, yes I do.”
In April, the group released their third album, “Rabbit Habits,” a savage and surreal take on contemporary pop aesthetic.
“If you have an inner child, you will appreciate this album, but also if you’re a broken man or woman,” says Honus.
Though their particularly inspired live act (which features the members dressed in white and war paint) garners as many puzzled head scratches as rave reviews, the band has no current plans to change for broader appeal.
“If we could just bang on stuff and get paid, fuck it, we’ll just be Gallagher,” laughs Honus.
Man Man will play Turner Hall Ballroom on Friday, Oct. 17th at 8 p.m. Tim Fite opens.
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