Maszer

We do a great many exclusive premieres here in the musical corner of Crave, and while we get a kick out of throwing curveballs your way, it’s a particular pride point to offer a megaphone to artists we love and believe in. Such is the case with today’s exclusive track premiere from our dear friends Maszer, who offer up the haunting passion-rally of “Fata Mirage”.

A runaway of the vibrant music scene of Tel Aviv, David T. Rapaport (aka STITCX) arrived to the US ten years ago, and cut his teeth in America as he toured relentlessly with his band The Mother’s Anger (Dionysus Records). There have been endless miracles on his journey: His debut album was produced by Mike Davis of the legendary MC5. The sophomore, “Sniper” by Seattle mastermind Jack Endino and Dan Hoal. Ben Shepherd from Soundgarden was a guest bassist on the third release, “Escaping Revolution,” which is based on a book written by Rapaport.

In the last three years David, along with drummer Joseph Braley, took on world tours, opening for Black Sabbath and Pixies as well as playing major festivals and shows all over the world with Reignwolf. Inspired by those years of musical excitement, David has spent the past six months in his studio writing over a hundred songs in preparation for the next musical leaping point. Teaming with long time friend and captivating Seattle based singer Katie Blackstock, the trio have dubbed themselves Maszer. - Crave Online

After touring with the likes of Black Sabbath and the Pixies as two thirds of the mainstream rock band Reignwolf, David T. Rapaport (aka STITCX) and Joseph Braley started working on new, much different material. Combining classic psychedelic rock with distinct Middle Eastern grooves, the pair recruited singerKatie Blackstock, and the end result is the trio Maszer, whose debut EP will be released in December.

The new track “Passers By” showcases the more contemplative side of the band, its light, airy, acoustic arrangement carried by Blackstock’s lilting singing. “The song is very special for us,” the band says. “We write it to serve as a reminder that our time is limited and everyone is struggling with something. We’re all just passing through together.” - PopMatters

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Fata Mirage”, a 2015 self-released single by Seattle group MASZER.

MASZER – Fata Mirage (MP3)
After touring the world with Reignwolf, opening for The Pixies and Black Sabbath, musicians David T. Rapaport and Joseph Braley teamed up with Seattle-based singer Katie Blackstock, whose haunting vocals round out the dynamic new sound of MASZER. Combining classic psychedelic rock with distinct Middle Eastern grooves, the self-proclaimed cross-genre band serves up “psychedelic hot sludge sundaes at a kosher pizza party in the desert.” In the group’s latest single, “Fata Mirage,” the newly-formed trio brings elements of 90’s nostalgia and danceable melodies to center stage to create an upbeat and fresh track.

MASZER’s debut EP is slated for release in December, and the band plans to donate at least 10% of its profits to fellow artists to help support indie music. Keep an eye on the band’s website and facebook page for updates. For now, enjoy the official video for “Fata Mirage” below: - KEXP

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good sultry psych tune. The one that rides a solid rhythm and has different incorporeal elements bubble up from below the surface.
New trio MASZER, comprised of two touring members of Reignwolf‘s supremely tight band, have struck just that chord with their debut single, “Fata Mirage”.
Via the band’s Joseph Braley:
“My partner in crime Stitcx and I have spent the last several years traveling the world with Reignwolf doing lots of cool things like opening for The Pixies, touring with Black Sabbath, and finding the best and worst pizza from all corners of the globe. In these past six months, we’ve drawn on our experiences and channeled them into a new project we’re really stoked about.”
MASZER’s initial offering is a witchy piece of danceable psych-rock that rewards repeat listens. Definitely a new band to keep a close eye on in the coming months.
Stream MASZER’s “Fata Mirage” below and look for more from the band soon. - Speak Into My Good Eye

Maszer is a trio from Seattle, in parts via Tel Aviv. I love the guitar line on their first single Fata Mirage, our Song Pick of the Day. They are readying an EP for release in December. - GlamGlare

This summer on The Revue we featured a song from Seattle band MASZER, and today seems like a perfect time to share another. The gentleness of “Passers By” is a reminder that all of us find solace in music. KT Black’s voice on the opening line – “Would you feel a little better if I stay here with you tonight?” – seems especially soothing to anyone who’s found comfort in a friend, a stranger, or even a song. You can find the track on MASZER’s Bandcamp page. It will be featured on their debut EP, Spread Eagle, due out next month. - The Revue

So I’m back. I wasn’t invited back. The Mouser Organization isn’t super chill about quitters it seems. I was cut off financially, but blocked from re-entering the Phillips entrance tunnel. I suppose it could be called the Phillips exit tunnel, if at least I wasn’t trying to return. I’ve got a loan to pay up.

MASZER
Responsibilities to face and a sentence to fill. I’m told that if I can prove that I’m getting back to sane and working on ‘capturing’ creatures rather than studying them, because apparently brute strength is more important than expanding our knowledge, then I can rejoin the Mouser Organization. Right now I’m cut off and writing from a coffee shop, stealing from trash cans.

On that pleasant note, Fata Mirage.

Fata Mirage sounds like three o’clock in the morning at a Burning Man festival granted you don’t hear blaring techno clashing with the sounds of a late-night hallucinogen from mere yards away. Maybe that’s not the most apt comparison.

Perhaps a hot high-noon freakout in the desert. To me, the beautiful, haunting strings that lift the sound from the pits of its distinct percussion sound darkly indulgent. If this song is a high-noon freakout in the desert, then the water hasn’t run out yet.

The canteen overflows and the sunscreen has been applied liberally. All needs are met, happily and indulgently, but nevertheless dwindling. Enjoy while you can, the song seems to sweetly mutter. Take in what Earthly pleasures you’re allowed. While you’re still alive.

It hearkens back to 70’s psychedelia, my favorite kind, but my taste has been growing darker. I revisited Psychic Alliance the other day and couldn’t get swept away like I used to. Perhaps what I see in MASZER and Spiral Ganglion and all these other haunting pieces isn’t desire or happiness like I used to take in music but a reflection. Something I can relate to. Yeah. That seems to make sense from where I’m sitting. For now. - Mouser