Men I Trust - Equus Asinus
Beginning in 2014, the Canadian indie rock band Men I Trust made a name for themselves with their enchanting and unique sound, which combines elements of dream pop and indie rock to create a captivating experience. The trio, composed of Emma Proulx, Jessy Caron, and Dragos Chiriac, has established a distinctive style that resonates with people around the globe. After taking a well-deserved break from the studio, years later, they have returned with their anticipated album, Equus Asinus, showcasing their growth and evolution as artists while remaining true to their roots.
Being a self-produced band, they show a maturity beyond their years of experience in the industry. Men I Trust has become a notable name in the industry, and when hearing the first track of their album it was a “there it is” moment. It's their style, the atmosphere itself speaks “we’re here, and we’re back.”
Setting the scene, I Come With Mud is a track that does not only introduce us to the album, but sets the scene for the rest. In the beginning there's a racket—almost dystopian at first, given another reason by the eerie creaking of a door. Followed by the strum of a guitar and the delicate noise of the strings near the headstock of the guitar being plucked with precision. As the song kicks in, we are introduced to Emma’s voice, which tells us this captivating story in a mellow and melodious manner. The atmosphere begins to shift as we start to hear the soulful sound of a slide guitar, accompanied by a thumping beat that is held together by the rhythmic playing of the drums and bass.
Moving down the tracklist, All My Candles tells us about the mistakes we make as teens, letting people down, and not knowing if we should change, or if we even can. A piano is played, as the bass takes the wheel and leads us through, it's steady as the piano has moments where it blooms and recollects itself once again.
“I spent my teens a fool, let my mother down.” It seems that the protagonist is grappling with a sense of regret for having let people down, reflecting on moments in their life and pondering whether they could have done more to alter the outcomes of their circumstances. As the track progresses, these feelings evolve into self-doubt, making them question if perhaps it is too late to make any meaningful changes. This journey from wonder to doubt, and to acceptance, is beautifully encapsulated in the song's lyrics and melody.
There's a melancholic piano ballad that introduces us to The Landkeeper, setting a tone that is restful yet introspective. The scene set by the mellotron or flute alongside the piano possesses a quality that evokes haunting memories, creating an atmosphere that is almost eerily enchanting. This impression is kept throughout the track. Meanwhile, the rhythmic plucking of the bass provides a sense of stability amidst the ethereal almost extraterrestrial scene. Together, these weave a tapestry of sound that lets us delve into contemplation and reflection, making it a truly immersive experience for anyone who gives it an ear.
Paul’s Theme is an approach that's quite unordinary and unique in its execution. Clocking in at 3:05, this mellotron-driven track stands out in many ways. It definitely seems as if the artists experimented with the piano and its various settings, because this track sounds so bewildering and enchanting, especially from its keys aspect. The amalgamation of instruments creates a lush, immersive atmosphere and soundscape, and the fact that it is sung in French gives another layer of charm and sophistication-truly showcasing Men I Trusts’ talent. I truly believe this track is one that will capture your attention, making it a piece that definitely sticks out from the rest—for all the right reasons.
As we go into the experience of listening to Girl (2025), this track immerses you in a unique atmosphere that makes you feel suspended in time. Imagine a dimly lit room, reminiscent of a New York City jazz bar, where the ambiance is defined by the warm glow of orange and red hues illuminating brick walls. As you sit back, you can almost feel the energy of the people passing by, lost in their own conversations and moments. The piano is played ever so gently, with each note resonating emotionally and drawing you further into this intimate setting. The strumming and delicate plucking of the guitar gives an evocative depth to the soundscape, while the lyrics, sung in French, infuse the piece with a romantic and passionate feel. This combination of elements creates an bewitching experience that stays long after the final notes fade, leaving you yearning for more of its captivating essence.
As Equus Asinus unfolds, we hear Unlike Anything. Taking a breath, the song begins to unfold like a flower blooming as the sun reaches its petals. Hearing the movement from fret to fret as their fingers go effortlessly over the strings lends the piece an unmistakable sense of personality, creating a voice behind the voice of Men I Trust. Though the narrative remains somewhat vague, the song is beautifully composed, featuring the ethereal quality of Emma Proulx’s voice paired with the strumming of the guitar provided by what is presumably Emma and/or Jessy Caron. Occasionally, a piano or a mellotron-like sound emerges as the song approaches its closure, giving the experience a gusto of fervor. It’s undeniably a remarkable song, and what stands out the most is the band’s attention to detail, as they make it known that they do take their time for each and every note and word. This definitely transforms the experience into something truly special, inviting those who listen to immerse themselves in the landscape the band has created.
We meet Moon 2 after I Don’t Like Music, which is a serenity-like song that sets a tone for the album. Driven by a delicate piano melody, it fits seamlessly within the album and serves as a reminder of why we are drawn to Men I Trust, giving show to their unique style and essence. Moon 2, however, transports us to a far away realm, reminiscent of tracks like Girl (2025) and The Landkeeper. These songs resonate with me, as they evoke hauntingly beautiful narratives, but Moon 2 stands apart with its entire 2 minutes and 56 seconds dedicated solely to instrumentals. Its ethereal soundscape is breathtaking, taking us on a journey of thought and leaving us in a state of wonder, pondering whether it could get any better—and indeed, it does.
What Matters Most is a track that truly stands out to me; a song that closes out an album holds significant importance. Just like the title track or the opening piece that first introduces us to the album’s themes, it plays a crucial role in shaping our experience. Equus Asinus has taken us on a road of reflection thus far, and while it must come to an end, What Matters Most is a fitting conclusion. This instrumental track, anchored by a poignant piano arrangement, pulls at our heartstrings. The absence of lyrics allows us the invaluable opportunity to reflect on the entire album and gather our thoughts, making it a moment of introspection. This track genuinely couldn't have been crafted any better; they have chosen such a compelling way to conclude the album. Their versatility shines through magnificently, particularly in this piece, and is evident throughout many other tracks as well, showcasing the depth of their talent and range.
Without a doubt in my mind, Men I Trust is a band that is deserving of your time, particularly with their remarkable album, Equus Asinus. They have cultivated a unique sound that sets them apart from many other artists in the scene. Their detail-oriented approach to music-making is evident in every track, creating an album that almost demands your attention—and trust me, it truly deserves it. The way this album is grounded in authenticity, coupled with its intent to showcase the versatility and immense talent of Men I Trust, is nothing short of impeccable. Putting it on will leave you yearning for more, prompting you to hit play again and again. I definitely recommend that you take the time to immerse yourself in their discography. To stay in the know with their tours, merchandise, and the announcements, be sure to follow @menitrust!