Unmake

Released in 2016, Unmake serves as a transitional and reflective EP in Dan Mangan's discography. Following the more expansive and experimental sound of his 2015 album Club Meds, this collection represents a deliberate 'unmaking' of his sound. The EP features a mix of new material, a notable cover of Robyn's 'Hang With Me,' and a 'Redux' version of his older track 'Kitsch.' Sonically, it is characterized by its extreme minimalism, moving away from the 'Blacksmith' band arrangements toward a more solitary, singer-songwriter focus. The recording captures a sense of immediacy and raw emotion, with Mangan's weathered vocals placed high in the mix. Critically, it was seen as a return to the intimacy of his early work but filtered through the more sophisticated, art-leaning sensibilities he developed later in his career. It stands as a testament to his ability to find power in restraint.