Mas Ysa – “Look Up”

This new Mas Ysa song is killing me. “Look Up” is a sneakily addictive piece of work, with quirky little sounds repeated in what I can only assume are mathematically-proven-to-be-pleasing patterns. This is from the mind of someone who clearly knows how to craft a song; I almost feel manipulated by how well this is put together, but that doesn’t diminish the pleasure that it gives me.

Montreal native Thomas Arsenault is the man behind Mas Ysa. He’s a key figure in the Brooklyn music community, owning a studio there and collaborating on compositions with the likes of Rashaun Mitchell of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. Mas Ysa released an EP called Worth last year and his first album will come out this summer. He’s also about to hit the road opening for Young Fathers. I have yet to see either live, but they both are known for intense and engaging performances. Tour dates below.

Young Fathers/Mas Ysa – 2015 Spring Tour

4/09/2015   Boston, MA – Great Scott

4/10/2015   Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

4/11/2015   Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle

4/12/2015   Washington, DC – Rock and Roll Hotel

4/14/2015   Raleigh, NC – Kings

4/15/2015   Atlanta, GA  – Masquerade

4/16/2015   New Orleans, LA  – Republic

4/17/2015   Houston, TX – Fitzgeralds

4/18/2015   Dallas, TX – Trees

4/19/2015   Austin, TX – The Parish

4/21/2015   Phoenix, AZ – Pub Rock

4/22/2015   San Diego, CA – The Casbah

4/24/2015   Los Angeles, CA – The Echo

4/25/2015   San Francisco, CA – The Independent

4/29/2015   Portland, OR  – Holocene

4/30/2015   Vancouver, BC – Fortune

5/01/2015   Victoria, BC – Distrikt

5/02/2015   Seattle, WA – Neumos

5/05/2015   Boise, ID – Neurolux

5/06/2015   Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge

5/07/2015   Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge

5/08/2015   Lincoln, NE – Vega

5/09/2015   Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry

5/10/2015   Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall