The Brooklyn-based duo The Mast creates a propulsive and expansive sound featuring undulating vocals, hypnotic electric guitar riffs, and polyrhythmic drumming.  With a hybrid drum set of frame drums, djembes, floor toms, and various cymbals, the seemingly eight-armed Matt Kilmer, weaves a scintilating tapestry of rhythms. Singer and guitarist Haale’s interlocking guitar riffs and evocative vocals combine to create a sound that is at once danceable and deep, inventive and inviting, balancing wild abandon and focused control. While their music is refreshingly unique, they do do give a nod to bands such as TV on the Radio, Tinariwen, PJ Harvey, and Blonde Redhead.

Haale (pronounced like hallelujah or jalepeño) and Matt have been playing together since 2007, touring under Haale's name, playing shows all over the US, Canada, and Europe, including the David Byrne-curated series at Carnegie Hall, Preservation Hall, and the Bonnaroo festival.  They also released 2 critically acclaimed EPs and a full-length album in 2008 which the Boston Globe called “a gem of an album... one of the year's most memorable releases.”  Matt has meanwhile played with an eclectic group of artists including the hip-hop legend Lauryn Hill, udist Simon Shaheen, and the comedian/musican Reggie Watts.  He also composes music for comedian Louis CK’s television series “Louie” on the FX network. 

After touring, they returned home to Brooklyn, built a studio, crafted a new sound and recorded The Mast’s debut album "Wild Poppies" which was released on June 21, 2011. 

PRESS for THE MAST

Powerfully hypnotic…The Mast is New York City and ancient scrolls…the more impassioned parts of PJ Harvey intertwined with that cool-ass Middle Eastern thing Robert Plant and Jimmy Page worked up, and more we cannot put our finger on.  Complex undercurrents flow in The Mast’s music, and in shallow times that’s a real gift.  --Dirty Impound

A kaleidoscope of sounds…a gem to dance to…heavenly.  --The Rock Club UK

Reminiscent of a punchier, more tribal version of the Cocteau Twins, builds on Haale’s ethereal and dreamy vocals/melodies, and Kilmer’s rather aggressive and eclectic percussive work. --The Deli Magazine

I think of a toned down Kills, a hyperactve Mazzy Star…Blonde Redhead. In spite of these comparisons, The Mast has carved out a niche all their own…to label their music as simply psychedelic, electronic, or rock/pop would be grossly off the mark…The Mast’s strength lies in its ability to merge the best of all three in symbiotic sound. ---The 22 Magazine

"The Mast features mesmerizing distorted guitar riffs, hand percussion, and Haale's tripped out, undulating vocals..." 
-WNYC Music Hub

"Whip smart and intense, intoxicating…Original, refreshingly sincere and strong as a tree.” 
-Dennis Cook (Editor of JamBase, DirtyImpound.com, 11 Bands to Watch in 2011) 


"One of the most expansive duos out there...this band will send a chill down your spine."  
-BeaconPass