Montagna & the Mouth to Mouth

Ultrapolyamorous [7-inch] (2010)

Joe Pelone

The two songs on Montagna & the Mouth to Mouth's new seven-inch, Ultrapolyamorous, are so different that you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a split. The songs are both atmospheric, moody and alternative. But by switching the vocals, they shift dynamics as well.

Frontman Jason Montagna steps aside for female vocals to dominate the title track, which carries enough pep and sugar to come off as a song by Lemuria, Del Cielo, the Besties and maybe even '90s alt acts like Belly or the Juliana Hatfield Three.

Montagna handles the mic for the flipside, "At Full Speed." It's not as infectious as "Ultrapolyamorous," but it also builds up more mood. Think Pixies with more shoegaze. Both songs possess interesting qualities, and while the group is currently unsigned, hopefully that'll change soon. Montagna & the Mouth to Mouth would certainly fit in on Slumberland--they're like the Pains of Being Pure at Heart with more cajones.