Gothic Theatre

Since By Man

What’s this we have here? Spastic, urgent hardcore…with a heart? Yes, that is correct. Since By Man is a band that is tough to define, but that is probably the best one can do. Recorded at Kurt Ballou’s (RAWK) God City Studios, Since By Man’s debut full-length for Revelation Records is an intense ride that is sure to excite any lover of indie rock or hardcore.

One of the things I like the most about this band is the fact that they have an identity. They are relatively young, yet they already have an identity. “We Sing The Body Electric” is an appropriately quirky album title, for a quirky album. Since By Man has a lot of punch in their lyrics and song structures. The lyrics are scathing and clever, showing that this band is not only talented, but smart. Frontman Sam Macon exudes charisma, and his delivery has a lot of flair to it. Whether he’s shouting, singing or flat-out screaming; it’s hard not to get into his performances. The rest of the band aren’t a bunch of slackers either. The guitar players firmly hold ground with a lot of creative leads and destructive chords. The bass player has a nice tone going on, and it really helps provide a backdrop for the drummer pound out rhythms to. “We Sing The Body Electric” has a lot of variety, which was surprising. It’s not common that you see a band in this day and age willing to be so diverse. I don’t mean these guys have stark mood shifts in their songs like so many others have done (although they can do those too); I mean they have a variety of songs in general. one moment you will have an ass-kicker like “The Enemy,” and the next you will have the electronically tinged and despondent “In Threes.” These drastically differing styles contrast each other instead of disrupting the progression of the album.

I have to say that I enjoyed this album quite a bit. It’s easily accessible and difficult to put down. More bands should take a cue from Since By Man and begin making music that tells all of the current trends to “fuck off.” “We Sing The Body Electric” is an excellent work of creativity and style. Don’t miss this one.