Art is meant to be subversive. It is meant to offset the plethora of life's functional, pacifying institutions. It is meant to debunk blindly held beliefs. The world of music is no different. Unfortunately, however, it has become riddled with bubblegum nonsense and empty messages. I, on the other hand, intend to piss you off and incite visceral emotion. I mean to be distrait, disorganized and, in general, obscure. I'd like you to think about stuff, even if it means capsizing the core of what you think you know. I love blues, rock, folk, poetry, literature, conspiracy theories, quantum theories, thinking and debauchery. I'm not here to appease you. In fact, appeasing you would displease me. I'm here to promote the subversion of the totally administered social system. I'd like you, if you can bear your precious world being unhinged, to join the movement...

All property, including music, lyrics, etc, belong to Ettienne Smook, unless otherwise specified, such as in the case of covers.

A classically trained vocalist with a five-year plan meets a wishy washy guitar player with a backpack and a dream.

Warm beats and Violin.
Look it's the sound forest, Let's Explore it to it's fullest.




Hearing August River Band for the first time, you may find yourself thinking Roy Orbison was fronting an unplugged Faith No More show with Stuart Copeland on drums. 

Prepare yourself for cinematic lyrical noir with dark tales full of imagery from a lost Cohen Bros script, odd-time metal riffs played on acoustic guitars, soaring and swooning classical violin layers underpinned by heavy dub rock basslines,  harmonies and a heavy dose of poetic romance. 

This is a band with nothing to prove other than how beautiful it truly is to pour love into the creative rivers of life, love and loss. 

Big, Bold and Beautiful - the August River Band’s debut live studio album ‘Thank You Pain’ is available for full immersion on high quality vinyl, and all streaming platforms if you STILL havent got a turntable for your hifi (wtaf?).

Much akin to the infamous phrase of “to be or not to be”, such is the name Is Man Kind.
For the muse that drives this mighty steed of brooding dark country, gallops with a relentless force across the plains of HI fidelity, to dance like nobody is watching, upon floors of nostalgic, party rock.
The energy of Is Man Kind emulates the sex appeal and sleaze of the South American sixties, the victorious party rock of the 70’s and 80’s, and the underlying message of right now. That’s right! There actually is a message. Hence the name.
Mars – the singer, guitarist; punches the soul with riffs of gold, while planting seeds of the new revolution. His vocals that have been likened to those of Billy Idol and Ian Astbury of the cult, both smooth and strong. His guitaring bursts with fury of fire and ice, as if love and hate were both forced together to create passion.
He is accompanied by none other than The Captain - A man whose name befits the very way he commands the wild seas and ever-changing rhythmic tides that is the music of MARS.
His drumming dynamics are like an infectious groove, a Bruce Lee punch to the chest, and a subtle touch of a lover’s kiss.
Together they form a wall of sound that leaves the listener with nothing other than a sense of purpose.
To paraphrase the wisdom of the immortal Frank Zappa “We never play any song the same way twice. Why? Because it allows a sense of freedom, and it gives the listener something different each time”
Therefore, no Gig is just a Gig, they are always a concert…So there!

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