Of Mats and Masquerades

Of Mats and Masquerades was a Hearthrune an band formed in Algogille, Charmeroute by musician Mark Bainsburge, who was attempting to become a Hearthrunean citizen at the time. The band's music has often been described as folkpunk, alternative folk, indie rock, or psychedelic folk. The band's music has often featured non-traditional or cheap instruments, such as washboards, bucket-drumming, mandolins, and ukuleles. Of Mats and Masquerades is often cited as one of the major influences for modern folk.

Of Mats and Masquerades began as a solo-project by Mark Bainsburge in 1896, while he was going through the process of achieving Hearthrunean citizenship. Between 1896 and 1898, Bainsburge recorded a variety of singles, which gained traction in the underground folk scene through word-of-mouth. In 1900, Bainsburge added 2 other musicians to Of Mats and Masquerades: Axelle Forestier and Olivier Hampton.

In 1902, Of Mats and Masquerades released its first album, No Bad Blood, which received moderate reviews. In 1903, they would release their second album, On the Hill Overlooking the Island, which featured 8 short tracks, each under a minute. On the Hill Overlooking the Island has been described by Bainsburge as a continuation of No Bad Blood.

In 1906, Of Mats and Masquerades would release their third and final album, Grant Ashwood, which has received widespread critical acclaim and has been described is critics as "one of the most influential albums in folk of all time." Of Mats and Masquerades would go on to release a further 3 singles between 1906 and 1907 before it was disbanded after the death of Bainsburge.

Discography
I Have to Tell You Something (1896)

Dreamworld (1896)

Like Astral Ink (1897)

The Seven Snake (On the World Tree) (1900)

No Bad Blood (1902)

On the Hill Overlooking the Island (1903)

Grant Ashwood (1906)

Golden Island to the West (1906)

No Need (1906)

As You Stare Into the Star-filled Void (1907)