MUSIC REVIEW: MOUNTAIN MAN - LIVE AT THE LARIMER LOUNGE

Harmonies & Melodies That Give You Imagery of Woods & Church Choirs To Take Home With You

By: Jess Gronewold

July 17, 2011

(July 16, 2011 in Denver, Colorado) Mountain Man went on just after midnight at the Larimer Lounge in Denver, but not without first dancing a sort of jig just off stage and then a group hug before beginning the show. A little bit folk, a little a capella choir, and a lot of joy, these women bring vocal harmony and beauty in their performance.

These three women enchanted the crowd with the harmonies and breathy rhythm of “River.” They utilized breath and foot-tapping as their instrumentation throughout this song. As a listener, you feel somehow transported to the wilderness, letting the peace and tranquility settle over you. Yet there is a loneliness creeping in along the edges of this sound, and a ghostly presence seemingly looming over you.

Bringing in a little more fun and a lot of folk, Mountain Man’s “How’m I Doin’” was a delightful number with a touch of twang and a lot of smiles. The crowd clapped along as the trio brought simple, bright harmonies reminiscent of a '60s pop group. They made your toes tap along without a rhythm section, and brought an instant grin to your face.

Described as one of the members’ mother’s favorite songs because it showed they were able to incorporate the band’s sense of humor in their music, “Mouthwings” was lyrically strange and intriguing, and a bit funny. It sent visions into your head of tiny wings flying from one’s mouth. This song was another triumph of blending vocals and sweet melodies.

“Animal Tracks” was one of the handful of songs that featured the use of the acoustic guitar. The line “And the sweat will roll down our backs…” was very appropriate in the mugginess of the intimate venue they played in. The guitar added nicely to the simple elegance of the group’s feel, bringing just enough to not overpower the soft tones of the vocals. Mountain Man again sent the audience deep into the woods with their imagery, making them feel as if at any moment they might turn and follow the animal tracks they were leaving you with.

They took out the guitar again for “Sewee Sewee,” a short, sweet tune in which the lyrics “I held your hand in mine” projected a great feeling of love and happiness. In only two minutes, you get depth, love, and a beautiful short story.

Mountain Man leaves you feeling a bit like you’ve just been listening to a beautiful church choir, but with more attitude. Their harmonies and melodies were strong, and so were their personalities. They made the audience laugh, and interacted with everyone all night, joking back and forth and getting the crowd to participate in a round at one point. They were folky and fun, and then haunting and enchanting. They were captivating and sweet, and a lovely way to end an evening.

Standout Tracks: “How’m I Doin’,” “Mouthwings,” “River,” “Animal Tracks,” “Sewee Sewee”

For Fans Of: Hem, The Innocence Mission, Natalie Merchant