Man Man / On Oni Pond (album review)

Man Man’s fifth album is very possibly the band’s most cohesive work. There remains enough of their essential and defining madness to satisfy the long term fans, and there are some of the band’s strongest songs to date here. The band has already amassed a wildly exploratory catalogue that would make many a band blush, as it has constantly come across as looking for something. Whether the members of this band found it or not is another matter, but it’s good to know that five albums into their career they seem as driven as ever, just a little more focussed, mature and direct. The journey from A to B isn’t defined by arriving, but the path taken, the landscape on the way, and the entire experience of the moments in between the two points, and this band has ever made the journey fun.

So, On Oni Pond arrives on the heels of a magnificent single, ‘Head On.’ To follow that wasn’t easy, but for the most part this record impresses and shares a lot of fun with the listener. It definitely includes some beautiful and soulful moments therein. It really is hard to see how the band isn’t better known. I can only suppose being unique and having talent and a compass that takes you away from the masses is not something that is appreciated anymore. It once was, but now a band such as Man Man can only ever live on the edges.

The fleeting and sombre fanfare instrumental kicks off proceedings nicely and from that moment forth the band shows its range and versatility of song writing. It’s a nice opener and leads perfectly into ‘Pink Wanton’ which has an amazing upbeat summer vibe with classic old fashioned female backing vocals. Honus’ lyrics create an assorted bag of images and thoughts. There are other highlights, to accompany the first single, there are a few weaker moments, but mostly it is a jaunty and highly enjoyable listen. Honus Honus’ voice is sharp and soothing, in its own madcap way. The instrumental exploration remains something that further entertains the listener. There are times when you never quite know what they have thrown in there. The brass and string parts work wonders.

If I have to give it a mark then I’d say 8 and a half out of 10. I still feel they can do more, still feel they have something better in them, but they are definitely getting closer. A band whose career is endlessly interesting, which to be frank is quite a rarity. Keep watching; in fact, don’t take your eyes or ears off them for a second.