It’s a vibrant moment for indie music aficionados as Men I Trust, the Canadian band known for its dreamy synth-pop sound, has just released their latest album "Equus Asinus." Dropping on March 19, 2025, this album serves as the first of two interconnected studio releases anticipated throughout the year. The band’s choice of unique album titles—drawing on equine nomenclature—reflects a larger artistic concept. Both albums, "Equus Asinus" (meaning "donkey" in Latin) and the upcoming "Equus Caballus" (meaning "horse"), explore distinct emotional landscapes while showcasing their signature light, jazzy pop sound characterized by baroque touches.
With the new release, fans are not only treated to fresh music but also a wealth of live performances to anticipate this summer, including a highlight appearance at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. As they prepare to hit the road, Men I Trust continues to generate conversation within the music community about the evolving nature of their artistic expression.
Men I Trust's decision to create two albums interconnected by themes and sound reflects their artistic evolution. The band articulated this vision, stating, “Early in the writing and recording process, we realized we had a collection of songs with distinct energies yet equally meaningful to us.” This realization, combined with an empowered artistic direction, culminated in the dual release format.
Musically, "Equus Asinus" embraces an eclectic mix of influences. It retains the light, jazzy undertones that long-time fans expect while exploring more profound emotional narratives through its lyrics and melodies. This strategic shift toward thematic diversity signifies a maturation within their sound—an evolution from previous projects where their songs maintained a more uniform sonic landscape.
The interplay of light and shadow in the album is designed to evoke a range of feelings:
The album covers for both "Equus Asinus" and its counterpart "Equus Caballus" feature striking photography by renowned artist Donna Ferrato. Her ability to capture poignant moments connects with the band's ethos of portraying complex emotional experiences. The collaboration expands on the aesthetic vision Men I Trust wishes to share with their audience. Ferrato's work brings visual storytelling to the forefront, enriching the context surrounding their music.
Hot on the heels of their album release, Men I Trust will embark on a significant North American tour, offering fans the opportunity to experience the new material live. The tour will cover a variety of locations, each chosen to resonate with their audience and create a connection through music.
In total, the band will hit multiple cities across the United States and Canada, before crossing the Atlantic for performances in several European countries, including the UK, France, and Belgium, among others.
The synergy generated at live performances remains a powerful aspect of the music experience, especially following the industry-wide disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Men I Trust, these shows represent not just an opportunity to promote their new music, but also a chance to reconnect with their fans in an environment that fosters shared experiences and communal celebration.
In the current music climate, where artists often blend their live and online presences, Men I Trust’s approach adheres to traditional concert experiences while embracing digital platforms for broader reach. This duality allows the band to sustain engagement with a diverse audience, showcasing their agility as artists in an evolving industry poised for change.
While "Equus Asinus" has just hit the airwaves, the excitement is already brewing for the follow-up album, "Equus Caballus." Official details surrounding its release have yet to emerge, leading to speculation among fans about the thematic connections and soundscapes that will be featured.
The decision to split the albums allows Men I Trust to dissect their artistic output into digestible pieces, each with its own narrative arc:
Men I Trust's release of "Equus Asinus" marks a significant chapter in their sonic exploration and artistic evolution. With the promise of a second album, a robust summer tour, and meaningful collaborations, the band is well-positioned to solidify their place within the modern indie music landscape. Their unique approach to dual album releases offers listeners a nuanced exploration of their artistry, inviting further engagement and anticipation among their diverse fan base.
"Equus Asinus" is the first of two interconnected albums by the Canadian band Men I Trust, showcasing their signature dreamy pop sound with diverse emotional themes.
The album was officially released on March 19, 2025.
Yes, the second album titled "Equus Caballus" is expected to be released later in 2025, but no specific date has been announced.
You can listen to "Equus Asinus" via various music streaming platforms or through the band’s official Bandcamp page.
Men I Trust will tour across North America and Europe throughout 2025, with details available on their official website and social media channels.
The music in "Equus Asinus" continues to embody the band's light, jazzy pop aesthetic while exploring more varied emotional landscapes and showcasing experimental sounds not previously emphasized in their past work.