Despite releasing music for two decades, Philadelphia’s Man Man has yet to be defined. The experimental rock project led by an unwavering creative by the name of Honus Honus, also known as Ryan Kattner, who has been fronting the project since its inception, has been able to avoid convention in every sense of the word. Whether it be conventional release schedules or the lofty idea of “success” in modern times, Man Man simply concerns themselves with creating something daring. Here comes Carrot On Strings, the band’s first outing since 2020’s Dream Hunting in the Valley of the In-Beetween. These 11 songs build on his reputation of experimenting, using warping and bright arrangements to detail harsh truths and confessional songwriting. Although, there is something raw about this album. Carrot On Strings feels like the moment Dorthy peeked behind the curtains to reveal the real wizard. This autobiography is delivered on the back of pop-leaning melodies that pull the mask away from Man Man’s sonic mystique.
While Carrot on Strings has the artist continuing to explore new sonic territories, this set of songs feels like their most honed yet. Kattner is able to fit their colorful and limitless approach to rock in tight pop structures. Fans of his more eccentric releases might be a little disappointed in the honed musicianship and conventional melodies that kick off the album; as it strays away from Man Man’s risk-loving reputation, there is still something daring and controversial about this album. Context is king, and the fact that an artist who never had one apparent influence is able to make an album with unpredictable tendencies sound radio-ready is miraculous in its own right. Day one fans, don’t fret. Around the halfway point of the album, Man Man returns to “form,” although that word doesn’t exactly fit what the band is known for.
There is no clear sonic direction on Carrot on Strings, and that’s precisely how Man Man likes it. Initially, the album is bouncy and present. The album kicks off with the infectiously energetic “Iguana,” a fun-loving tune with lyrics meant for chanting. A moment like “Cryptoad” juxtaposes the camaraderie of the intro, as it details a welcomed isolation at a party you don’t want to fit in at anyway. The contrast between these two tracks aids in understanding the narrative of the LP: That directionless feeling of drifting through life while trying to revel in the brighter moments despite looming despair following your every move. Sonically, this album does feel jumbled, even for the experimental bar Man Man set for himself. Rather than exploring an entirely unheard musical terrain, this album feels like Kattner is diving into more familiar styles he might have skipped over in their 20-year career. At the same time, this lack of direction creates a sprawling listening experience that touches on twangy balladry (“Cherry Cowboy”) and all-encompassing prog-rock (“Odyssey”).
By diving into the familiar, Man Man emerges with something alien. Carrot on Strings may appear like an amalgamation of lofty ideas upon first listen, but there is a deeper concept to be digested here. By borrowing from the sonic worlds he has orbited for so long, Kattner was able to look more inward. This produced poetic lyrics that cascade down a plethora of styles, creating a grab-bag of genres and styles being anchored down by emotional vulnerability. Ironically, this discombobulated effort feels like some of their most focused work in years.
