The End Men were created in Brooklyn in 2010 as a core two-piece with an extended family. Composed of Matthew Hendershot (guitar and vocals) and Livia Ranalli (drums, percussion and vocals), and currently featuring Matthew Elia on saxophone and Joe Page on trumpet, most listeners are surprised to find that the powerful sound The End Men produce is created by such a simple arrangement. With raw, rasp-soaked vocals, the multiple amp guitar-split to give the illusion of bass, and a rock solid drum pocket peppered with percussive elements, the band rides a wave of dirty blues rock and vaudevillian stomp, all accented by a searing horn section.
The live experience harkens back to a smokey sideshow tucked away on the bayou; captivating and eccentric in its intensity. Comedic interludes offset the energetic musical onslaught as they play anything within reach in an ever-evolving and seemingly barely-controlled musical chaos. Homemade and customized instruments and found objects litter the stage all adding to the “who knows what may happen next” vibe that often engages and always entertains their crowds. Don’t let the reckless abandon fool you however as just behind the facade sits talent and musical skill that has been decades in the making.
The band’s discography kicked off in 2011 with the EP ‘Build It Up’, followed by their first LP ‘Play With Your Toys’ in 2013, ‘Odds & Ends’ in 2014, and ‘Terms And Conditions’ in 2015, which was welcome with enthusiasm on an international level, and included an artistic collaboration with illustrator Nick Dragotta for the artwork on the album's single cover. Their new album, ‘Heavy Seas’, was released on September 4, 2017.