As is Seattle tradition, Man Rockwell has a productively tortured relationship to rock. One moment they're interested in meaty chordage, the next in twirling prog riffs, and pinched vocals seem to point up the discontent. It's doggedly messy and self-loathing: consistency is so major-label.
Their self-produced debut EP, Lava Proof Boats, is due out in July on Ancient Vessel, which they will be touring to support this autumn and features cover art from the NevVers and One Million Teeth frontman Nate Gunn. Seeing them live proves that their sound is not just an in-studio craft. "seattle's Man Rockwell borrows liberally from Built to Spill's child-voiced swirlings." -Real Change