Francisco The Man – ‘­Loose Ends’: In The Swing, On The Brink

Francisco The Man

Los Angeles – Francisco The Man explodes onto the indie rock circuit with Loose Ends. It’s a towering, triumphant record that excites the listener’s mind. Throughout this transition, one’s thoughts are ruminating with questions of their own self-examined life. While the LA-based quartet has been creating music for several years with numerous singles and EPs, Loose Ends marks their debut LP on both Fat Possum Records and Small Plates Records. Their new material is deeply introspective, which makes it a great discovery among the rubble of popular mainstream offerings. Beach vibes, some synths, and lush guitars fluently mixed with shoegaze has Loose Ends being irrefutably memorable.

The first single “Progress,” released a few months ago, breathes new life into what the epitome of a summer rock song used to be. While the term progress usually suggests gradual yet continual, the track is fast, lively, and hurried. If you’re looking for a current wake-up call in life, turn up the volume on “Progress.” It may serve as the opening track to the soundtrack of your new beginning.


Loose Ends hints at 90s alternative rock, but feels as fresh as a spring morning. The vibrant guitars from Brock Woolsey, the bouncy bass from Nestor Romero, the dazzling drums from Abdeel Ortega and the deepness found with Scotty Cantino’s harrowing vocals create a soundscape away from the familiarity of indie-pop. Opening track “You & I” begins with sweet guitar riffs and Cantino’s lilt vocals. It transitions with heavy reverb while flowing like a steady stream before the river runs wild. The song clearly starts off an album the way you’d hope for—blissful and engaging. “In The Corners” conveys a garage-punk feel with raucous guitars and vocals that incite. It’s a kickass jam from a body of work that perfectly balances swift and steady material throughout its course.

One of the best tracks on Loose Ends is “Loaded,” a yearning, thought-provoking tune that sparks exhilaration for the listener. The song closes out the last minute and a half with a terrific instrumental arrangement that astounds and impresses unlike anything you’ve heard this past year in indie rock. Penultimate track, “I Used To Feel Fine,” is eight minutes and 41 seconds of pure listening enjoyment. While the latter also finishes with a strictly instrumental composition, it’s a passage into uncharted terrain. Often times, Loose Ends touches upon the likes of an instrumental record. The glorious configurations of many of the jams entering that realm are unquestionably powerful and illuminating. The 10-song epic journey reaches greatness finding originality where others before them have become lost in uninspired imitation.

Closing track, “It’s True, It’s You” is a gentle, steady venture: an underwater sort of echo for the first half until it hits another gear that places it into a different universe. The patient, calm guitar work is like a body of water at rest—relaxed and pacific. If peace is what you seek, this final contribution from Francisco The Man should be the prescription needed. I noticed that Loose Ends continues to evolve with each subsequent track. The buildup is apparent, but the payoff is beyond rewarding. Francisco The Man digs deep with their debut record allowing the listener to do exactly the same thing.  It’s a musical odyssey of grand proportions, one that’s commonly rare with debut outings.

Francisco The Man album cover

Loose Ends will be released on October 27 via Fat Possum Records and Small Plates Records. Check out the band’s Facebook for more information.

Sean Kayden

Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.
Sean Kayden