“If it rains another day, I’ll probably freak out. It’s always raining here.” These opening lyrics off Man/Miracale’s debut album The Shape of Things easily resonate with Seattle listeners. Seattleites are more prone to SAD than “freak-outs” however, SMB is pleased to introduce you to this Oakland based band that can relate just enough to our overcast skies to send up a little California warmth through their resplendent indie-pop.

Life is simultaneously thriving and decomposing in their stridently diverse tracks. Lead singer Dylan Travis agilely adapts to each one by expressing styles ranging from abrupt David Byrne-like stanzas, to angelic Robin Pecknold-esque discants. The album is overall upbeat, though at times lending enough edge to keep their bright sound from boiling over to bubbly pop.

Tense overtones come to a head on “Pushing and Shoving” which begins with a raucous chant, defining an intensely deliberate rhythm that is carried through the song by driving guitar and percussion. The vocals belt out the story of a relationship that’s abrasiveness sets the stage for a striking crescendo. The following track “Other People” releases your bated breath with a punky stuttered guitar riff that epitomizes the albums pop sensibility. The Shape of Things (available here) pleasantly works from start to finish as it showcases Man/Miracle’s style. Warm your spirits with these two tracks today, and be at their Black Lodge show on January 29th.

Man/Miracle – Pushing and Shoving

Man/Miracle – Other People