AMG Review of High Places Vs. Mankind

Tim Sendra
All Music Guide

Along with moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles after the release of their self-titled 2008 record, the duo of Mary Pearson and Rob Barber made some pretty drastic alterations to their sound. The early recordings and their album were built around hypnotic loops made from percussion instruments, found sound, and household items that were warped into non-recognizable sounds. It made for a childlike and quite often magical sound that was made even better by Pearson’s guileless vocals. High Places vs. Mankind is still built on loops and odd sounds, but the textures are sparser and the instruments are more traditional-sounding. The drums usually sound like drums, there are keyboards, and most importantly, they introduce guitars into the mix. It makes for a more identifiably "indie rock" listening experience.