Six Demon Bag cover

Released 20 years ago

Six Demon Bag

Man Man · 2006

40 min · 13 tracks · experimental rock

A chaotic tapestry of experimental sounds merges with theatrical storytelling, creating a wild carnival atmosphere throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Engrish Bwudd — This track exemplifies the band's blend of frenetic rhythms and absurdist lyrics, showcasing their unique ability to combine humor with unsettling themes.
  • →
    Black Mission Goggles — With its driving beat and layered instrumentation, this song captures the album's adventurous spirit while highlighting the band's knack for catchy hooks.
  • →
    Van Helsing Boombox — This track features a dynamic shift in tempo and intensity, encapsulating the chaos that defines much of the album while also providing a melodic counterpoint.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic sound and theatrical storytelling create a unique listening experience, though it may not hold up for all listeners over time.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics, with tracks often transitioning from frenetic energy to quieter, more introspective moments.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as marimbas and brass, creating a layered and textured soundscape.
  • The lyrics often employ surreal imagery and storytelling, with vocal delivery that ranges from spoken word to wild, theatrical expressions.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical storytelling with chaos
  • brief bursts of frenetic energy
  • quirky soundscapes for adventures
  • playful experimentation with surprises

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward song structures
  • prefer long, meditative tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2006, Six Demon Bag is Man Man's second studio album, following their debut, The Man in a Blue Turban with a Face. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their distinctive sound characterized by eclectic instrumentation and frenetic energy, drawing attention from indie rock circles.
Stylistic neighbors
Dirty Projectors· Animal Collective· Yeasayer

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Feathers 2:08
  • 2 Engrish Bwudd 3:33
  • 3 Banana Ghost 2:54
  • 4 Young Einstein on the Beach 0:58
  • 5 Skin Tension 3:46
  • 6 Black Mission Goggles 4:59
  • 7 Hot Bat 1:26
  • 8 Push the Eagle's Stomach 3:39
  • 9 Spider Cider 3:05
  • 10 Van Helsing Boombox 3:44
  • 11 Tunneling Through the Guy 5:25
  • 12 Fishstick Gumbo 0:04
  • 13 Ice Dogs 4:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata