Mason Proper
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Mason Proper | |
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 Mason Proper playing live at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs in July 2006. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Alpena, Michigan |
| Genres | Alternative rock, indie rock |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Dovecote Records, Secret Tunnel Group, Mang Chung |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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| Website | Official website |
Mason Proper was an American rock band formed in Alpena, Michigan, in 2004.[1] The band consisted of Jonathan Visger (singer), Matt Thompson (keyboard player), Zac Fineberg (bass guitarist), Brian Konicek (guitarist) and Garrett Jones (drummer).
History
[edit]The band was formed in Alpena in 2004 and recorded extensively throughout the year. On 17 January 2006, they released There Is A Moth In Your Chest[2] on their own Mang Chung label. Cover art was provided by Aaron Burtch, the drummer of Grandaddy.
In 2006, the group focused on promoting their first album, touring across the country and recording sessions. In September, the band signed with the New York-based Dovecote Records, and the self-released version of their album immediately went out of print. The band released a re-mixed, re-mastered, and (in parts) re-recorded version of There Is A Moth In Your Chest in 2007 for Dovecote.[3] The band toured through most of 2007 in support of Moth," afterwards releasing a four-song EP of new material entitled Shorthand'[4]
The band released their second album, Olly Oxen Free, on September 23, 2008, on Dovecote Records.[5]
Musical Style and Influence
[edit]Mason Proper's sound is characterized by a fusion of indie rock, experimental pop, and art rock elements. Their debut album, There Is a Moth in Your Chest (2006), showcases a blend of angular guitar riffs, dynamic rhythms, and introspective lyrics, drawing comparisons to bands like The Pixies and Talking Heads.[6] The band's sophomore release, Olly Oxen Free (2008), exhibits a more expansive and atmospheric approach, incorporating electronic textures and layered arrangements. Notably, some vocals on the album were recorded using a built-in computer microphone, capturing the raw immediacy of initial takes. This unconventional recording method contributed to the album's distinctive sound, which has been described as "charmingly weathered."
Lead vocalist and songwriter Jonathan Visger has cited a wide range of influences, including David Bowie, The Beatles, Devo, and The Talking Heads. These inspirations are evident in the band's eclectic compositions, which often juxtapose catchy melodies with experimental structures. Mason Proper's music has been noted for its ability to balance accessibility with innovation, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect both the band's indie rock roots and their willingness to explore new sonic territories.
Discography
[edit]- There Is a Moth in Your Chest (Mang Chung) – January 17, 2006
- There Is a Moth in Your Chest (Dovecote) – March 13, 2007
- Short Hand EP – March 25, 2008
- Olly Oxen Free – September 23, 2008
References
[edit]- ^ "Mason Proper - Biography & History - AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 25, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
- ^ "There Is a Moth in Your Chest - Mason Proper - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
- ^ Dovecote Records. ":: Dovecote Records ::". Archived from the original on February 8, 2007. Retrieved February 22, 2007.
- ^ "Mason Proper". masonproper.com. September 14, 2012. Archived from the original on September 14, 2012. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
- ^ "Mason Proper: Olly Oxen Free Album Review - Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
- ^ pre, madago (November 6, 2008). ""Mason Proper"". Obscure Sound. p. 5. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
External links
[edit]| International | |
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