Mandibles have a self-titled CD out, nine songs of Howard’s earnest and fervent vocals backed by an impressive collective of musicians. It’s a great record, equal parts roller coaster and lilting song, but Mandibles’ crowning glory is their live show; D. Alex Meeks’ aforementioned battery of percussion instruments, Lisa Conway’s violin, and the whole troupe’s collective energy makes for a sweaty and fantastic evening. They’re a carnival, a hoedown, and a pop band all in one, and certainly a band who should be getting far more recognition and exposure than they are right now.

In case you’re not yet convinced, here’s the lead-off track from their record, a tune called The Never Ending Fall.

If you’ree in Toronto, you can catch Mandibles at the Drake Hotel, along with The Little Deaths and Hut, this Wednesday (January 21).

In other news: the new Brent Randall & His Pinecones CD is out tomorrow, titled We Were Strangers In Paddington Green, and I am so excited about that. It’s certainly been long enough! Watch for more about them soon.