Milwaukee’s Mason Mattner is only 23 years old and has already gained notoriety in the city’s music scene as guitarist and vocalist for local punk outfit Retoro, which seems to be a bit of a breeding ground for talent (fellow youngster Enzo DeMay is currently drumming for indie rock and soul queen Abby Jeanne).
The band played Turner Hall Ballroom right before the pandemic and hung tight to finish their EP, Hairlush Boutique, finally releasing it in February of this year. Meanwhile, Mattner pursued things solo-style, sitting down at National Recording in Milwaukee to lay down a couple singles.
Cradled by drawling guitars and Wurlitzers, he follows a well-worn track of languid folk-rock vibes from the ’60s. The sound is comfy, even while biting lyrics take their ample digs. He released both singles, “No More” and “Uppercuts and Superfudge” at the beginning of this month, and you'll hear the latter here on 88Nine.
You can also head down below for a listen and catch Mattner at Cactus Club this Thursday, Sept. 22, along with Mauskovic Dance Band and Speakeasy Johnson’s.