Man Man On Oni Pond (Album Review)

If you go to experimental rock band Man Man's website and scroll down just a bit, you'll see this announcement: "Who We Are: The best, independent band in the world." Them's fightin' words! It's hard to disagree. For sure, the Philadelphia-based multi-instrumental band Man Man is one of the best bands to ever come out of Philly. In all of ever. Did I mention, in ever too?

Just check out Man Man's fifth album On Oni Pond. The record released in September of 2013 on ANTI- and contains the best of both worlds. It highlights the group's artistic growth, yet never strays too far from the original sound that made this quirky, cool indie Philly band so popular and distinct. It's one of Man Man's strongest works to date.

The thing most striking about On Oni Pond is how polished the album is. It was produced by Bright Eyes member and Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis. Mogis additionally produced Man Man's previous album Life Fantastic, which was released in 2011 (also on ANTI-). Though this record isn't a far cry from Life Fantastic, On Oni Pond is more melodic and hook-driven. On Oni Pond isn't quite pop, though a few tracks border on it. The album is one of the band's most mainstream. A number of its songs could easily be played on XPN, even Radio 104.5.

One of the most mainstream, and not too coincidentally catchy, songs of the bunch is "Born Tight." It's impossible not to be sucked into the bouncy and buoyant piano crescendos, especially with the song's soulful 60ish bebop kind of feel. But even though it seems like "Born Tight" is airy and light, Man's Man's trademark darkness is undoubtedly present. The chorus goes, "Mama Mama, Mama Mama Mama/Can't help you now! /(Be brave!)." Considering how the sampled "Girls just wanna have fun!" repeats playfully at the end of the song, one can only imagine what frontman Honus Honus is referring to. And up to. I only wish it was me.

By the way, how awesome of a stage name is Honus Honus? With a moniker like that, you just know the band has to kick flank cheeks. Word on the street is Man Man is a blast to see live. Can confirm.

However, the word is all over town. Even though our hometown heroes don't have any upcoming concerts lined up currently (as of February 2022), their Philly shows sell out fast. Keep an eye on Man Man's tour schedule.