Photo by Yulissa Benitez
In 2020, Augustus Muller’s quirky collaboration with Cooper B. Handy on Boy Harsher’s The Runner (Original Soundtrack) raised eyebrows. Muller, known for his intense collage of synth beats, seemed an odd pairing with Handy’s offbeat, laissez-faire lyricism. Yet, it was this clash of styles that brewed something special—a melding of Muller’s sharp-edged production with Handy’s unvarnished vocal delivery. Their chemistry, born from a shared fascination with the raw and the real, reached a high point with “Autonomy,” an anthem of understated power. From this creative spark, Safe Mind was born—an exploration of a musical space where earnest simplicity meets refined detail, shaping a sound that is both innocent and intricate, stripped back yet layered with meaning.
Now, with the release of their debut single, “6ʼ Pole”, Safe Mind makes thier grand debut. The track is a relentless pulse of post-punk energy, its bassline throbbing like a neon heartbeat, layered with taut drum strikes and funky guitar licks reminiscent of the Bush Tetras’ no-wave swagger. Handy’s vocals—channeling the cool detachment of Terry Hall from Fun Boy Three, blended with Damon Albarn’s casual drawl—ride over this frenetic backdrop with a playful dissonance, evoking the primal energy of The Creatures, and the art-rock eccentricity of Talking Heads.
“6ʼ Pole” is a nightlife anthem built to pump up the volume. Its irresistible pull reaches out the requisite six feet, touching you with an insistent rhythm and infectious bounce that will have you bopping your head to the beat in no time.
Listen to 6′ Pole below:
6″
Safe Mind is set to make their live debut, embarking on a brief but potent tour across both coasts this October. Expect raw, unfiltered performances that preview more of what’s to come from this enigmatic pairing. Check out the dates below, and order 6′ Pole on Bandcamp here.
Tour Dates:
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