On August 15, 2025, Racing Mount Pleasant released their highly anticipated, self-titled sophomore album, brimming with displays of the band’s instrumental and storytelling capabilities. If you’re a fan of jazz music, heart-swelling, triumphant songs, and supporting small artists, then do I have the band for you!
I was introduced to this band last summer, when they went by the name Kingfisher, and was immediately captivated by the finale song of their debut album, “Grip Your Fist, I’m Heaven Bound.” The song, “Do You Think I’m Pretty?,” instantly became a song of the summer for me. I couldn’t get enough of the heart-pounding instrumentals toward the end of the song. The band, consisting of University of Michigan students, is made up of eight unique musicians and consists of guitars, violins, drums, and their signature saxophone. With the sheer number of instruments, you can imagine the kind of sound wall this band creates with their music. They display a strong, triumphant energy that entices the listener to breathe in and devour each unique layer of instrumentals.
This is immediately apparent in the opening song of their latest album, “Your New Place.” An emotional and musically rich minute piece, the final two minutes of which are an exhilarating, euphoric display of their instrumental talents (a common theme within their longer songs). While their songs are often packed with strong, heavy, boisterous sounds, they also carry a more delicate, lyrical sound, emphasized in the songs “Heavy Red, 34th Floor,” and (a personal favorite of mine) “Seminary.” However, I think their sound is no more distinct and illuminated than in the tracks “Emily” and “Your Old Place.” Telling the story throughout the album of a lover moving away to a cold, unfamiliar city and leaving the narrator wondering what could have been. These pieces are overflowing with powerful tunes and heartwrenching lyrics.
If you asked me if there was another musical act that I could compare Racing Mount Pleasant to, I simply wouldn’t be able to give you an answer. They are pioneering a new sound, with mesmerizing saxophones, inviting vocals, serene orchestral elements, and captivating melodies. I couldn’t recommend this band or this album enough. You may end up hating it, or you may not be in the mood to try something new, but as they say in “Your New Place,” “It’s a high risk, high reward.”
