Men & Volts

Men & Volts, occasional collaborators with Half Japanese, began their journey by delving into intricate indie noise akin to that of Half Jap, interspersed with hints of melodic pop reminiscent of 1960s roots rock acts such as the Band and the Grateful Dead. David Greenberger, who serves as publisher and editor for the fanzine Duplex Planet, established the Boston ensemble, which launched its discography with the peculiar album Rhythm & Blues featuring the same tracks repeated on both sides. Following the 1983 release Hootersville, the group shifted away from avant-garde approaches toward roots-oriented folk on Tramps in Bloom. After three years away, they signed with Shimmy-Disc and issued a pair of albums produced by Kramer titled The Mule and Stay in Touch. Cheer Up, their fifth full-length, came out via 50 Skidillion Watts, the label also associated with Half Japanese and Moe Tucker.