These Days – That’s Him! That’s the Guy
I have kind of a thing for music with a clearly defined sense of place, particularly when it’s a place I know well. That’s part of the reason I enjoy That’s Him That’s the Guy, a Michigan based folk-duo, who make music which reflects their geographical orientation. Appropriately enough, on first listen there is more than enough twinkly bells and delicately plucked strings to call to mind a Michigan-era Sufjan, which may or may not be your thing. But if that doesn’t sound appealing, don’t let it deter you from everything else they have to offer. They are less precious than Sufjan, and quite a bit warmer.
The highlight has to be the romping “These Days” where they manage to turn a relatively simple piece of DIY production and composition into a two minute tempest, thanks to some rat-a-tat-ing percussion and a few well-placed bells.
Another shining moment is the dreamy “Help Me I’m On Fire” which is as beautiful a piece of instrumental ambient dream-pop I’ve heard in many moons. It’s the campfire that crackles in front of you and the shadows that dance in the trees on a cool midsummer night on the shores of Lake Superior.
Their EP is called Help Me I’m On Fire (eMusic), and if you’re in Michigan this summer, I highly recommend checking them out. Myself, I’m going to do my best to make it to East Lansing in time to catch the July 7th show.