Follow Friday: Man Man, SWIMM, Little Feat, and More

Man Man

This week, we’re kicking off Follow Friday with a warm welcome to the family for the experimental rock sextet, Man Man! The band is well known for their composition of multi-instrumentalist talents — depending on your definition of “instrument.” They have used xylophones, spoons, plates, toy noisemakers, Chinese funeral horns, and fireworks to lock down their sound.

When I started playing music it was an entirely self-taught, kind of accidental career. When it came to composing songs, I found it infinitely more interesting to front your band with a keyboard instead of a guitar. Or instead of having a guitar solo, have a marimba solo. I’ve always loved the sound of woodwind instruments, and I’ve been fascinated by incorporating those kinds of sounds. But I’ve never wanted to be in a ‘rock band.’

Honus Honus, Connect Savannah

Though their last full album, On Oni Pond, was released in 2013, the band is still gathering traction today. Since announcing their new release, Beached, expected later this year, they have reappeared on indie rock radars. They have plenty of tour dates coming up, and you can check them out at their official website.

When they stick to guitars, Man Man use Ernie Ball Regular Slinkys, Regular Slinky Cobalts, Power Slinky Cobalts, and Regular Cobalt Flatwounds on bass.

Listen to the latest release from Man Man down below.

SWIMM

The psychedelic pop group, SWIMM, is carrying on the legacy of the genre in 2019. Their sound is defined by washed out vocals with synth sounds drenched in reverb and guitar riffs that slowly descend upon the entire track.

I think the first time I showed Adam the songs to learn for a show I had booked that coming weekend, (as I was unexpectedly out a drummer) I knew I wanted him to be join full time. Then a week later when we played that show, I had a feeling we would actually be doing this together for a long time.  I’m surprised with every step of progress.  Especially the caliber of musicians we have gotten to play with. Always surprised they give me the time of day.

Chris Hess, All Access Music

The band has recently released a new single called “Windows Up.” This track features their signature wavy sound and elicits the feeling of driving down the coast during sunset. If you want to see this track alongside their others in concert, check out their official website for tour dates.

SWIMM get psychedelic with Ernie Ball Power Slinkys on electric and Earthwood Medium Phosphor Bronze strings on acoustic.

Go far out with SWIMM‘s top tracks down below.

Little Feat

This rock band was deemed “the best American band” by Jimmy Page — that’s how you should know Little Feat is serious business. The band has been around for 50 years, and they have been known over that span of time for their “jam-band” style tunes that evoke folk, country, soul, jazz, funk, and even R&B.

I wish I was only fifty. I’m seventy looking down the barrel of seventy-one and it feels pretty good. I’m glad I can still get out there and play; although I’m glad we don’t go three months at a time like we used to. But I love playing the music. The music is what has kept this whole thing alive for fifty years. The songs themselves are the stars of the show.

Paul Barrere, Glide Magazine

Though the band was originally disbanded in 1979, they reformed in the 80s to continue rocking out and are still active to this day. The band posts frequent updates, from tour dates, to news highlights, and even photos and videos on their official website. Check it out if you are interested in the latest updates from Little Feat themselves!

Little Feat get down with Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom and Not Even Slinky strings on electric guitar and Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze on acoustic. On the bass, they use Regular Slinky Cobalts.

Start grooving with the top tracks from Little Feat down below.

Too Slim and the Taildraggers

Coming out of Spokane, Washington is Too Slim and the Taildraggers, bringing nothing but pure Americana. Their classic rock ‘n’ roll sound has earned them praise among the blues community and has landed them a home in Nashville, Tennessee.

The blues to me represents American roots music. It’s reality and it has offered me a way to express myself and a way to tap into my own emotions. I am a naturally shy person and it allows me to express myself in a way I probably otherwise would not have been able to had I not been introduced to this music.

Tim “Too Slim” Langford, Blues GR

Though they formed in 1986, Too Slim and the Taildraggers are still kickin’, touring across the U.S. to spread the truth of blues music. If you want to experience them live, or if you want to check out more information about the band, head to their official website.

Too Slim and the Taildraggers stick to their roots with Ernie Ball Regular Slinkys, Ultra Slinkys, and Regular Slinky Flatwound bass strings when it comes to the low end.

Jump in with Too Slim and the Taildraggers‘ top tracks below.

Belle Noire

The San Jose-based alternative rock group, Belle Noire, combine the abrasive sounds of hardcore with the gentleness of indie rock. Their 2016 album, What It Means To Be, was released to critical acclaim from fans of the genre.

The musicianship throughout the album is superb. The guitar picking, subtle bass grooves, and drum fills all pair together wonderfully against Lancaster’s booming voice. Each track’s tempo is carefully constructed and never forces an abrupt change of pace. The balance lies in the transitions which are skillfully constructed and smooth. Like the flick of a light switch, the same spirit still remains and the tracks still feel like a collective whole.

New Noise on What It Means To Be

They call themselves a “reverb/rock quintet,” which perfectly describes the nuance of their sound. If you want to keep up with Belle Noire, check out their official website to see what they’ve got going on.

Belle Noire uses Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom, Beefy Slinky, Power Slinky, Regular Slinky bass and Regular Slinky 5 String bass.

Rock out with Belle Noire‘s top tracks below.