Man On A Mountain - Man On A Mountain

Man On A Mountain

Man On A Mountain
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

One of the most typical human behaviors is to “find yourself” by way of solitude; whether it’s going to a cabin for a couple of weeks or going for a run in the woods. Humans often collect their thoughts and have cathartic moments when they are alone. This is the concept behind the new self-titled album Man on a Mountain. 

The music on this ten-song album gravitates towards explosive pop punk with big hooks not unlike bands such as Circa Survive, Brand New and Saves the Day. Most of the songs are anthemic tunes that also contain a fusion between nostalgia, melancholy and optimism. Besides that the album is polished and sounds just as good as anything on the radio. Credit should go to Bad Lab Studios as well the world renowned Alan Douches for adding some production magic.

The album starts with a lone guitar and vocals before pounding drums enter the empty space on “Remember.” Within the first thirty seconds the band is rocking out hard and the song has enough energy to be equivalent to a cup of coffee. The song is pretty straightforward with a rocking verse and even harder rocking chorus. One of the highlights of the album was “Falling,” which the band takes their foot off the distortion pedal during the verse and has some  innovative drumming that kept my attention throughout. The drumming was pretty incredible but it doesn’t take anything away from some of the guitar parts (especially the one on the verse). Another highlight is one of their most explosive songs called “Wake Up” while closer “Catch Me” slowly builds to an apex.

Man on a Mountain’s self-titled album is a bit predictable at times but also is a very fluid, cohesive experience with great production. It is a solid album with a good amount of songs.

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