So Cursive rolled through my hometown last night, and I could've cared fucking less if it weren't for the fact that Philly freakazoids Man Man were opening (needless to say, we made an executive decision to hit the bar instead of hanging around for the headliner). I've long been a vocal proponent of Man Man, so not only was I extremely excited to catch them in the flesh for the first time, but also extremely bummed to hear an (albeit unfounded) rumor that they're calling it quits. For some unknown reason, this band never got the love they deserved (too niche, too wacky). I recall having a conversation a few months ago with a well-respected writer about our favorite LPs of the year, and Rabbit Habits immediately sprung to my mind. "Huh, kind of forgot about that one," he mentioned. How one "forgets" about something so intensely varied and clever beats me, but for some reason, Man Man isn't prominent in everyone else's wheelhouse (though they should be). It must be impossibly tough being a young American indie band right now, but why are there, like, two assholes in the front row (of severely undersold show) who know the words to "Van Helsing Boombox", and everyone else seems pleasantly perplexed? It's a damn shame. Nevertheless, Man Man were as fevered and precise as any young band in America, kicking things off with a tremendous "Hurly Burly" followed by single "Top Drawer", as darkly humorous and vivacious as they are on record. The great thing about Man Man is the balance-- oddball, wild and sloppy, yet paced, deliberate and downright fucking talented. Ornate, inventive and unpredictable, I beg of you: Stay together for the kids.
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