Spring Break
A profile on Mason Proper
Ian Berry
Issue date: 12/12/08 Section: Arts & Living
"I breathe when I am able," sings Jonathan Visger on "Point A to Point B," a slow reverie at times and urgent introspection at others.
Mason Proper's most recent release "Olly Oxen Free" has garnered the attention of bloggers and critics alike. The band's sound ranges from small pained laments to epic, powerful statements on topics such as unhappiness in past lives and feeding on fleas when happening to seize them.
Through this intimate form of storytelling and contrasting frames of mind, a balance is achieved and lends itself to Mason Proper's robust and steady push to success while never losing sight - or sound - of their inventive integrity.
On Friday, Nov. 14, Mason Proper performed a sold out show for WUNH's Marathon Concert in the Wildcat Den. The show attracted more than 140 people.
Mason Proper is, according to the band's Web site, "a major producer of textiles in the North American territory." More accurately though, the band formed in Alpena, Mich., in 2004 and consists of singer Jonathan Visger, bassist Zac Fineburg, drummer Garrett Jones, guitarist Brian Konicek, and keyboardist Matt Thomson.
As a relatively new lo-fi rock band signed to their independent, NewYork-based label Dovecote, the band is making a name for themselves. The band's musical style is marked by pensive and abstract lyrics, reserved yet quirky stage antics, and an overall precise sound that can be found on their studio recordings and live performances alike.
The November show's set list drew largely from their most recent release "Olly Oxen Free," and included some earlier crowd favorites as well from their 2006 debut, "There is a Moth in Your Chest."
"Olly Oxen Free" was released in September, and was recorded on a tight 30-day schedule. The entire album from start to finish was recorded during the last month on the band's lease on a rented house in Ann Arbor, Mich., at a location near the backyard of Fineburg's childhood home.
This release is more simplistic in composition in comparison to previous works according to the band, but the sound is a big as ever.
Mason Proper's most recent release "Olly Oxen Free" has garnered the attention of bloggers and critics alike. The band's sound ranges from small pained laments to epic, powerful statements on topics such as unhappiness in past lives and feeding on fleas when happening to seize them.
Through this intimate form of storytelling and contrasting frames of mind, a balance is achieved and lends itself to Mason Proper's robust and steady push to success while never losing sight - or sound - of their inventive integrity.
On Friday, Nov. 14, Mason Proper performed a sold out show for WUNH's Marathon Concert in the Wildcat Den. The show attracted more than 140 people.
Mason Proper is, according to the band's Web site, "a major producer of textiles in the North American territory." More accurately though, the band formed in Alpena, Mich., in 2004 and consists of singer Jonathan Visger, bassist Zac Fineburg, drummer Garrett Jones, guitarist Brian Konicek, and keyboardist Matt Thomson.
As a relatively new lo-fi rock band signed to their independent, NewYork-based label Dovecote, the band is making a name for themselves. The band's musical style is marked by pensive and abstract lyrics, reserved yet quirky stage antics, and an overall precise sound that can be found on their studio recordings and live performances alike.
The November show's set list drew largely from their most recent release "Olly Oxen Free," and included some earlier crowd favorites as well from their 2006 debut, "There is a Moth in Your Chest."
"Olly Oxen Free" was released in September, and was recorded on a tight 30-day schedule. The entire album from start to finish was recorded during the last month on the band's lease on a rented house in Ann Arbor, Mich., at a location near the backyard of Fineburg's childhood home.
This release is more simplistic in composition in comparison to previous works according to the band, but the sound is a big as ever.
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