Canadian indie band Men I Trust released their fifth album, “Equus Asinus”, on March 19. Men I Trust is usually known for their dream pop elements, enchanting listeners with unique and charming melodies. However, this new set of songs diverts from the band’s typical mellow and indie dream pop, a change that feels abrupt.
“I Come With Mud”
The very first song on the list is called “I Come With Mud.” The title is fitting, considering how muddled the melody is — the concoction of arbitrary instances of country-inspired guitar strums behind whispered lyrics feel incohesive. Lead singer Emma Proulx’s voice is lovely as per usual, but the sound of perhaps half a dozen other instruments is oddly reminiscent of rustic plains, a foreign image compared to the rest of MIT’s discography.
“All My Candles”
Following “I Come With Mud” is “All My Candles.” This song is comparatively more alike to MIT’s other tracks: the tempo is moderate, the mood is sweet and light and the balance between vocals and instruments is just right. The intro is bubbly with a catchy rhythm.
“Girl (2025)”
“Girl (2025)” has a melancholy feel backed by ominous bass vocals. The one positive trait about this lugubrious track is that it reflects the moody atmosphere in the album cover almost perfectly. The cover’s grainy texture in addition to the slightly green tint feels nostalgic and a little gloomy, matching the song’s somberness. A prime example of MIT’s usual dreamy music is “Sugar” from the band’s “Untourable Album” released in 2021. This song encapsulates the trio’s whimsical yet dulcet energy. Where is that euphonious sound in “Equus Asinus”?
“What Matters Most”
Unfortunately, “What Matters Most”, the last song of the album, barely reaches the two-minute mark. It sounds like cafe music, a light melody that would probably be played in a homey bakery. This song would be lovely if only it were slightly longer. Other tracks in the album, too, follow this trend which is frustrating since they have potential to be such pleasant songs, if only they weren’t so short. However, the total album’s runtime of 44 minutes makes it perfect for making a quick errand while checking out a new album.
Overall, the only elements of “Equus Asinus” that were appealing are its cover image and the runtime of its tracklist. However, the music is disappointing. I had faith in Men I Trust. But after this album, I am not sure if I can put my “trust” in the band again.
