MANE - “Hi Lo”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Florence & the Machine, MARINA, LP

It looks like MANE has either a new song or record on the way with “Breathing Again” being teased on their socials this week, but for now all we got look back, an opportunity to revisit a favorite SXSW 2022 track in “Hi Lo”. A follow-up single from the Australian artist’s debut EP Coping Mechanisms, it’s a powerful, mid-tempo anthem that highlights MANE’s uber-rich, low vocal. It’s an instrument that gives each of MANE’s songs extra depth, both serious and beautiful. It’s exciting to think of what’s next for this artist with natural ability that is already crafting under-the-radar pop bangers seemingly with ease. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: MANE’s “Hi Lo” is a pitch-perfect soft rock track, dramatically melodic but performed with a low-key comfortability. The Australian artist’s voice immediately stands out, a lower-toned timbre naturally rich both in big-pop choruses and quiet, balancing moments. Her influences seem to range from minimal indie folk to new-wave rock to dance-pop, but rather than straight genre hopping, MANE mixes these sounds within tracks while avoiding ever sounding too busy. Rather, MANE’s 2020 debut EP Coping Mechanism and surrounding tracks are notably smooth and cleanly produced, yet still will connect more to indie-minded ears than those of overproduced radio tracks.