Interview: Man’s Gin on ‘The Reprobate’ and Degenerate Behavior

Erik Wunder, the enigmatic figure behind the Colorado-based solo project Man’s Gin (as well as acclaimed USBM force Cobalt), dropped his latest sonic offering, The Reprobate, on September 6 via Profound Lore. A blend of psychedelic rock, experimental noise, and folk influences, the album is a testament to Wunder’s eclectic musical vision.

“The songs had been kind of building up over the years. A couple of the songs were written when I originally started Man’s Gin in Fort Collins, Colorado, and those songs were still not on any of the records,” Wunder explains. “So I put those on the new record, and then the rest were just new songs that I had written over the last few years.”

The Reprobate by MAN’S GIN

The album’s lyrical content is as diverse as its musical style. Wunder describes his approach to songwriting as a stream-of-consciousness, often painting abstract pictures with words. “I generally like to paint like a psychedelic picture with the lyrics, like an abstract painting with the words,” he says. “So usually I’ll sit down on my computer or with my notepad, and sometimes I get high or drunk, but sometimes I do it sober, too.” A particularly prolific period came during a four-month stint in jail, where he filled countless pages with lyrics.

When asked about his connection to the Colorado music scene, Wunder positions himself as an outsider. While he appreciates the local talent, his geographical distance has limited his involvement. He fondly recalls his time in New York City, where he was immersed in the local scene and often played shows with his band. This experience heavily influenced his musical style and approach to performance.

“I was submersed in the scene to their New York City, because I was right in the middle of it all. So I went to shows almost every night, and I was connected with all the music people in New York while I was living there,” Wunder recalls. “I spent five years living in New York, and that was in 2009 to 2014, so I was out in New York for five years.”

The album’s release marks a significant achievement for the artist, and he hopes to get some recognition with the record. “I’m just hoping that the album shows up on some year end lists. If it doesn’t, that’s fine. It could end up being just loved by a small number of people who really dig it, and it doesn’t get as big as I had hoped,” but then at least some people will dig it.”

In a scene known for bands like Cephalic Carnage and Blood Incantation, a more raw, punk approach is welcome and embraced in Colorado. We’re following along closely and can’t wait to hear more.

Get the album here.