Upbeat, electrifying indie-rock

Partner-duo MAN ON MAN are reclaiming a rock revival with their latest album Provincetown. From deeply resounding basslines to catchy synths, their newest release proves to be a grandiose step for their discography — echoey words and all.

Lovers Joey Holman and Roddy Bottum began their musical endeavors together during the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020. In 2021, Holman and Bottum released their self-titled debut album and have since toured the U.S. and U.K., delivering heartfelt messages about body acceptance and LGBTQ+ struggles.

As a gay couple, MAN ON MAN are no strangers to criticism. For this reason, they’ve consistently interpolated boundlessly confident messages into their discography as a way to show haters that they’re doing just fine — and rocking out at the same time. 

The album starts off with the intensely catchy “Take It From Me.” Lyrically, the song takes a “Vogue” by Madonna-esque approach with strong, one-worded statements.  “Take it from me, poppers, disco / 1980s San Francisco,” they begin, as a by-definition drum beat and bassline accompany the straightforward lyrics. Notably, their lyrics say a whole not while not having to say a whole lot — with short statements and phrases, the duo let their musical accompaniment speak for itself.

Following the first track, “Showgirls” and “I Feel Good” take the ever slight, brief departure from the intensity of “Take It From Me.” Impressive electric guitar riffs and heavy drums, which are almost omnipresent on every track on the album, take the lead on this track. The appealing duality of intense instrumentals and straightforward lyricism serve to deliver the album’s message of life, love and beauty. 

The fourth track on the album takes a more serious approach lyrically while its signature rock sound persists steadfast. The lyrics “We got robbed in a safe space / They took everything / Got drinks while we played / Cause they’re waitin’ on the drag queens, but it’s all the same,” are the album’s most solemn thus far, detailing the sentiment of not being taken seriously in the music scene.

In an in-depth interview with the online music magazine BrooklynVegan, MAN ON MAN walked through the message and creative process for every track on Provincetown. For example, “Piggy” is the musical rundown of their relationship with dating apps.

“We use them to promote our shows when we tour,” Bottum said, “and sometimes we use them to meet guys to possibly hook up with together.” The artist later detailed the disheartening sentiment behind seeing men who are afraid to show their faces. Ultimately, the duo wants to express the message that feeling comfortable is imperative and one shouldn’t feel too judged.

What makes this album excel beyond their debut release is the impressively upbeat, electrifying indie-rock sound. Stand-out tune “Gloryhole,” is the perfect exemplification of this, with meaningful storytelling backed by a head-thrashing bassline. 

A nearly seven-minute tune, “Hush” is the only song on Provincetown with a featured artist — J Mascis of the alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr. Prolonged electric guitar riffs and echoed lyrics make for a notable conclusion to MAN ON MAN’s sophomore success.

An entertaining, reflection-inducing listen from start to finish, Holman and Bottum created a sonically superb project with Provincetown. Listeners will be pleased by the no-nonsense, authentic sound they’ve mastered in their newest release, sure to be hooked on the 42-minute ride.