The Mast is the Brooklyn duo of singer, guitarist & songwriter Halle Gafori and percussionist Matt Kilmer. Together, they create music, but that music is something different, and special. They weave together Halle’s (pronounced Hah-Leh) sparse but effective electric guitar work, Matt’s energized eastern influenced drumming, echo-y vocals and poetic lyrics producing a mystical sound that would be trance educing if it weren’t so entertaining.
Their critically acclaimed 2009 release Wild Poppies showcases some impressive musicality and becomes even more so when you learn that other than the doubled vocals, there were no overdubs. It’s hard to believe there are only two of them. Halle’s voice fills every corner of the room and Matt’s drumming is fast and steady, rolling over and under the controlled distortion of the guitar.
Gafori has played numerous stages from Carnegie Hall to Bonnaroo, and Kilmer has worked with a cred-heavy array of artists like Reggie Watts and Lauryn Hill. They continue to add to their long list of talented collaborators with the likes of comedians Louis CK, Michael Showalter and drummer Manu Delago. Last year they composed music for the upcoming feature film, Backwards.
The Mast play at Pianos on Sunday, May 27 at 10PM // $8.
Splitting his time between performing and producing, contributor Ken Beasley primarily plays with his own roots/rock band, Ken Beasley & Co., as well as the power punk outfit,Missy Sport, while also curating the Underground at the Abrons music series on the Lower East Side.
The Mast is amazing live. Great pick.
approce