San Diego gives new meaning to the term musical chairs. Local musicians seem to find endless ways to create new bands with each other — a dash of Al Howard here, a sprinkle of Dustin Lothspeich there, maybe just a pinch of Andrew Armerding — often with unexpected and thrilling results. Our little music scene’s latest concoction, the four-piece known as Diatribes, is no exception.

Singer Max Mannion began Diatribes as a solo project last year. Mannion herself hasn’t been in any local bands, but it wasn’t long before she’d enlisted the aid of veterans Sean Davenport and Greg Theilmann (Hills Like Elephants) and Chad Pittman (River City). The group is now releasing its debut digital single, “Hand Book for the Blind,” and was kind enough to give us Owl and Bear folk the very first listen.

“Hand Book for the Blind” was recorded at Chaos Studios in 2012 with Mannion, Davenport, and Chaos Studios’ Chris Hoffee. Its tin-can beats and slow-burn vibe recall Theilmann’s other new band, Champ, but Mannion’s yearning, smokey vocals give the song a life all its own. Diatribes are already prepping a follow-up single that will feature the group’s afore-mentioned official lineup. The band also has plans to start playing shows around town soon. (UPDATE: Diatribes will play Soda Bar on September 6.)

You can listen to Diatribes’ “Hand Book for the Blind” below.