Mystery of Two - Early Talking Heads Meets Sonic Youth

At a time when music descended from “punk” and “new wave” has been reducedto it’s most rudimentary and lo-fi elements, Mystery of Two continues to pursue the original artistic aspirations of the genre---believing that art and music can be unfamiliar and challenging, without sacrificing accessibility. Much like their musical touchstones—The Feelies, The Voidoids, Talking Heads, and Pere Ubu—Mystery of Two follow the axiom that the unconventional can be created through paramount musicianship, attention to song-craft, and sonic structuring.

Their self-titled follow up to 2006’s Arrows are all you know, finds Mystery of Two further traversing the boundaries of experimental pop, and no where is this more evident than in the masterful guitar playing of singer/guitarist Ryan Weitzel. Channeling Robert Quine (Voidoids) and Richard Lloyd (Television), Weitzel creates songs that convey a sense of urgency and immediacy, which at times evolve into turbulences reminiscent of Dinosaur Jr. Vocally, Weitzel has been described as a baritone fusion of David Byrne and Nick Cave, which masterfully accompanies the dark sound-scapes and lyrical content created by the band. Steadied by the
pop-gun drumming of Nick Riley and stalwart bass playing of Jeff Deasey, the palpable energy of this trio is captured in these “live take” recordings, which were later augmented by unique instrumentation unfamiliar to their pedigree (violin, trumpet, slide guitar). As a result of their chemistry, energy and effort, Mystery of Two succeeds in creating an updated aesthetic to the timeless works that emanated from the Bowery over three decades ago.

Suggested Tracks:

2. Repeat It – Beginning with the seasonable, “recorded on a boom-box in a
garbage can” aesthetic, group choruses and vintage David Byrne-esque
hiccup vocals carry the song through to a progressive intoxication of the
initial ensnarement. - VIDEO

3. French Rocking Horse – An urgent rhythm section complimented by
delicate guitar work and a crisp “jangley” chorus, this song builds and
swells like the Sire Machine…and four minutes pass in a heartbeat.

7. Swimming – Descending slowly from Mid-Tempo to plaintive, an audio
snapshot of the tedium oftentimes experienced by a touring band; driven
home by the ephemeral ghost song of a slide guitar…

Tour Dates:
Sep 22 - Chicago @ Ronny's
Sep 23 - St. Paul @ Big V's
Sep 24 - Lawrence @ The Replay Lounge
Sep 25 - St. Louis @ Lemmon's
Sep 26 - Cleveland @ The Bridge Project
Oct 1 - Brooklyn @ The Charleston w/ HotChaCha
Oct 2 - Asbury Park @ Asbury Lanes w/ HotChaCha
Oct 3 - New York @ Piano’s w/ HotChaCha
Oct 4 - Baltimore @ Ruintown w/ HotChaCha
Oct 6 - Washington DC @ The Velvet Lounge w/ HotChaCha
Oct 7 - Norfolk, Va @ The Boot w/ HotChaCha
Oct 8 - Charleston, Sc @ The Tin Roof w/ HotChaCha
Oct 9 - Athens, Ga @ The Caledonia w/ HotChaCha
Oct 24 - Brooklyn @ CMJ Showcase @ The Charleston

Mystery of Two Website