Nervous Verbs
Pony Coughing
Don Giovanni Records [2025]
“Mike Montgomery trades polish for pure emotion, delivering an album that lingers long after the final note.”
Album Overview: Nervous Verbs is the latest project from Mike Montgomery, a seasoned musician and producer with a career spanning three decades. Known for his work with bands like thistle, Ampline, The Light Wires, and R.Ring, Montgomery has long been immersed in DIY music culture, constantly evolving his approach to songwriting and production. With Pony Coughing, his first official solo album under the Nervous Verbs name, Montgomery embraces a more immediate and intimate recording process. Rather than meticulously layering sounds in a studio, he captures songs at their rawest moments, using phone memos and home recordings as the foundation. This approach prioritizes instinct over polish, resulting in an album that feels deeply personal. While Montgomery enlisted friends to contribute, the core of the record remains a reflection of his unguarded creativity, bridging past and present in his musical journey. The sincerity of these eight heartfelt tracks shines through the moment you press play.
Musical Style: The album leans into an understated, organic sound, blending folk-inspired songwriting with subtle experimental touches. Acoustic guitars and hushed vocals form the backbone of most tracks, while atmospheric elements like field recordings, string arrangements, and layered harmonies add depth. The compositions unfold naturally, favoring fluidity over rigid structures. The result is both familiar and unpredictable, drawing from Montgomery’s indie rock roots while embracing a stripped-down aesthetic.
Evolution of Sound: Compared to Montgomery’s past work, Pony Coughing shifts away from the intricate arrangements and driving energy of Ampline or the collaborative interplay of R.Ring. Instead, it prioritizes minimalism and immediacy, with intimate performances taking precedence over studio precision. Montgomery resists the urge to refine each song endlessly, preserving the unique character of the initial moments of inspiration. This shift demonstrates a confidence in simplicity and an appreciation for imperfection’s beauty.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of lo-fi and experimental folk will find a connection with Pony Coughing. The album shares the hushed intimacy of Elliott Smith, the raw vulnerability of Mount Eerie, and the subtle sonic explorations of Sparklehorse. Listeners who appreciate the homemade textures of early Iron & Wine, Chris Knox, or Richard Davies, as well as the understated complexity of Jason Molina’s work, should be drawn to Montgomery’s latest effort.
Pivotal Tracks: “Repeating Lines” sets the tone with quiet reflection and vivid imagery, drawing listeners into the album’s unguarded atmosphere. “Vicious Riffs” carries a subtle urgency with its soft foot-tapping beat and instantly hummable guitar line. “I Broke Them All Myself” stands out for its haunting vocal harmonies and delicate string arrangement, adding emotional weight. “Cyclops Shore” showcases Montgomery’s songwriting at its most refined, weaving a beautifully structured melody with lyrics that nod to his early musical influences. “Chasing the Strings” brings a more dynamic energy, featuring Kelley Deal and Laura King in the album’s biggest rocker, closest in spirit to R.Ring.
Lyrical Strength: Montgomery’s lyrics are deeply personal yet open-ended, leaving room for interpretation while maintaining a strong emotional core. Themes of memory, introspection, and fleeting connections run throughout, expressed through evocative imagery and understated phrasing. Whether reminiscing on youthful obsessions in “Repeating Lines” or wrestling with internal conflicts in “I Broke Them All Myself,” his words feel both specific and universal, capturing the quiet weight of lived experience.
Final Groove: Pony Coughing is a testament to the power of instinctive, unfiltered songwriting. Montgomery’s decision to embrace imperfection results in an album that feels raw, honest, and deeply human. While its stripped-down nature may not appeal to those seeking polished production, its sincerity and emotional resonance are undeniable. For listeners willing to lean in, Pony Coughing offers a rewarding experience—one that lingers long after the final note. If this album is any indication, Montgomery’s musical evolution continues to grow and any next step he takes will always be worth the listen.
NERVOUS VERBS LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Don Giovanni Records
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