The Hand to Man Band

Add Date: June 26

Artist: The Hand to Man Band

Album: You Are Always on Our Minds

Label: Post-Consumer

Genre: Defies classification
 
Comments: The Hand to Man Band is Mike Watt of Stooges (and more), notable solo-pianist (and more) Thollem McDonas, John Dieterich of Deerhoof (and more), and Tim Barnes of Silver Jews (and more). The trend should be apparent: What you are hearing is NOT the insane ramblings of a handful of hacks. It is the insane ramblings of four highly professional musicians, with wide experience across genres and with many different groups.

You Are Always on Our Minds is a collection of eerie, avant-garde instrumental tracks, jazzy and mostly smooth. The album's consistency (let's not get too philosophical) lies in its inconsistency. At its most rhythmic, it approaches the classic post-rock of Tortoise; at its most a-rhythmic, it is noise. Come here for beats or to rock out, and prepare for disappointment. Come with curiosity and open ears, and you'll find meticulous composition and playful experimentation. Try tracks 1, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17 while ice-skating on the moon.