Red western sky, I will follow you

I will stand all night, I will walk to you

When was the last time you heard a song (or tried a new craft beer, or tried on some new menswear) that completely changed your mindset that day, week, year? For me, that’s pretty similar to what happened when I first heard today’s featured track, “Red Western Sky” by Muzz (the trio can be seen above!). At once familiar and yet completely fresh, it’s one of my favorite songs of the year, likely because it comes from an indie rock supergroup of sorts: Muzz dropped its debut album this year, bringing together Interpol’s Paul Banks on vocals and guitar, plus producer and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Josh Kaufman and drummer Matt Barrick, formerly of famed NYC indie rockers The Walkmen. It’s a match made in heaven, I’m a huge fan of the group’s debut and of course, I figured the propulsive, atmospheric track would be the perfect way to kick off a weekend edition of The Style Guide In Brief. On tap today (and with every dispatch): Music, menswear and coffee to help you power through it all. Subscribe below and be sure to check out my regular blog, The Style Guide, if you’d like a full dose of menswear on the daily. Alright, let’s rock.

What To Listen To This Weekend: “Red Western Sky” By Muzz

As I mentioned above, it’s pretty neat to come across a song that instantly connects with you. Be it the quiet-yet-thunderous drumming of Matt Barrick (as heard in so many songs by The Walkmen) or the raspy vocals and swinging, jabbing guitar of Paul Banks, Muzz does a heck of a lot of great things at once. To shake up your weekend listneing and perhaps secure a spot on your year-end albums list, give Muzz a serious shot. I’m so glad I did, and I’m even more glad that I tuned into a special livestream concert last night featuring the band playing in idyllic Kingston, New York. It was the band’s first official performance together since they debuted earlier this year, and it was a hotly anticipated one for me. As to “Red Western Sky,” it’s a moody, atmospheric and cool-as-heck track that sounded great — through my computer speakers, that is. The next time Muzz plays, I hope I get the chance to see them live in the flesh, in person … later on in 2021. For now, stylish music videos and sharp-as-can-be songs like “Red Western Sky” will have to suffice.

What To Wear This Weekend: Nisolo Andres Boots

Being that this is a rock group by Paul Banks that we’re talking about (Interpol famously brought all-black stage and streetwear into the scene along with its jagged, ‘80s-inspired indie rock), well, we’ve just got to feature an equally fitting and inspired pair of stylish black leather boots. The Nisolo Andres Boots provide sleek, rock star-inspired style, plus top-notch functionality, making them a natural pick-up heading into December. What’s more, they’ll wear quite well with slim black jeans and an indigo denim shirt any day of the week, even if your next rock concert viewing is of the livestream variety. And of course, by the time live shows do return, you’ll have already broken in these boots well in advance of that next Muzz concert. Lace ‘em up, folks.

What To Sip This Weekend: RISE Brewing Nitro Cold Brew

To give my weekend a jumpstart, I sometimes like to reach for something that'll give me a quick, effective launching pad for writing and work on my Instagram (and this newsletter!). Lately, that’s meant something simple and delicious to sip on as I listen to artists like Muzz (see what I did there!?) — that’d be the RISE Brewing Nitro Cold Brew, a handy way to get delicious cold brew on the go. It’s available via Huckberry for a nice price given the quantity you’re getting, and it’s got a naturally sweet flavor and high-quality, classic coffee finish. Yes indeed, it’s a jolt in the arm to start your weekend — stock up accordingly.

The Final Pick: Flint and Tinder Wool-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Let’s turn once again to the dark and moody music of Muzz — and the dark, rock-ready stylings of Paul Banks and Interpol — for today’s final pick, one of the best trucker jackets on the market (done up in an appropriately sleek Charcoal colorway, no less). Lined with soft and warm wool for a winter-ready finish, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket is the stuff of legend around these parts, featuring classic durability and rock concert-ready styling potential. In fact, I would frequently wear my own Flint and Tinder Trucker Jacket to rock concerts in Brooklyn and beyond in the “Before Times,” so I can certainly vouch for it. If that sounds like a winning piece of winter outerwear to you, I say go for it.

So, you’re getting ready to step out in style this weekend with the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, you’ve got a sufficient kickstart to the day with some RISE Brewing Nitro Cold Brew, and you’ve got the music of Muzz going in your Bluetooth headphones. Talk about a recipe for a successful weekend, yes? No doubt about it. Join us here again on Tuesday for another Style Guide In Brief dispatch, and be sure to check out my blog today for the weekly Saturday Style Pick. Thanks, as always, for reading!