Currently based in Brooklyn, the self-described indie rock band for the weary masses, MAN LEE — Sam Reichman and Tim Lee — began writing together while living between Richmond, DC and Baltimore before finding their collaborators in New York.
On their creative process, Reichman says, “We had always been writing our own music, but it wasn’t until we got together that we found our footing. Whether we’re physically in the same city or apart, we are constantly tossing new ideas or phrases back and forth until something sticks. Writing music is one of the only ways to quiet my mind and I think Tim feels the same.”
Drawing inspiration from all manner of relationship, their work touches on themes of expectations of self and others while sonically blending elements of psychedelia, art rock and pop.
The duo’s latest single, the Arthur Moon-produced “Best One” is a melodic and artsy take on post-punk anchored around propulsive thump, angular and squiggling bursts of guitar, bubbling electronics paired with Reichman’s melodic and sensual delivery. As the duo, explain the song serves as a message of reassurance to a close friend, following a bad break up that simply says that despite our best efforts, there are forces at play well outside of our control.
MAN LEE’s Reichamn goes on to explain “Growing up, especially for girls, we quickly learn that the most important thing is finding ‘the one.’ That’s a lot of pressure. And we internalize it, along with everyone else’s expectations. ‘Best One’ is a sort of reassurance to my friend, on the receiving end of a terrible break, that they were not at fault. That nothing said or done differently could have changed the outcome, because it wasn’t up to them at all.”
The accompanying video is vintage-inspired visual that features a collage of archival footage from the 60s and 70s that also includes photography, ceramics and home videos from Reichman’s childhood, slickly edited in a lysergic fashion. She says, “it’s a mixed-media take on girlhood. That’s where these unshakable ideals and sense of self are so often formed, for better or worse.”
MAN LEE will be playing a full band show at Brooklyn’s Sleepwalk on November 21. Tickets are available here.
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