A Warm And Lush Rock Release From MANBIRD!
- R.A.G.
- 2 minutes ago
- 6 min read
If you are unfamiliar with the sounds of MANBIRD!, then let us be among the first to introduce you as the band just dropped a new EP called Think Tank, which is a record that beckons everything from pop rock overtones to spacious undertones, theatrical and sort of robust style vocals but still very melodically driving, along with amazing guitar tone that builds on the atmospheric feel, while they give off this slightly Progressive songwriting approach, not without its very catchy sections.
Some people would call this garage pop, but I don't really think labeling it as one particular genre is a smart move here. This is simply because they sort of mend different genres together, and although it's lush with guitars, they always keep that pop sensibility very evident.
The first and title track has very vast guitars that feel widespread and beautifully performed with progressions that are catchy and almost folk-oriented, while you get that classic indie rock tone from them, you can still feel some of that pop coming through, especially with keys that are playing this sort of hook overlaying the guitars.
Now, the vocals on this entire thing are outstanding, and I say that because the way that they're performed does have a little bit of a fun and animated approach, but this first track is way more melodically based in terms of the vocal performance.
It definitely has layers of these backing vocals that come in, and that adds up to a more expansive and deepening kind of feel, but it all does build on that semi-cinematic tonality.
To me, this was a great track to introduce the record with, because it opens the door to some of the staples that you're going to hear from the other songs.
The full ep spans just three tracks and is about 11 minutes in length, but it feels bigger because the songs have this sonic scope that spans different styles and just feels massive.
There is also a sort of delicate, almost calmness in the underbelly of the record at times.
"Kazimierz" is a track that is almost immediately catchy. It comes in with a reeling guitar, and then you have Acoustics that roll in with a straightforward beat and a classic rock aesthetic.
What I say, animated or theatrical style vocals, I just mean at times, he squeezes in a lot of words into a short pocket.
It almost feels like he's talking at times. I love this approach because it just brings a certain kind of liveliness and puts you in the moment with the song, while also kind of letting you pay more attention to those lyrics.
A lot of this record has the air of that live performance.
As the song unfolds, you have more backing vocals doing 'lalalas' and certain melodies, and that sort of adds to the build and intensity of the song, but really it's all based on melody.
I feel like a lot of this record is layering hooky style melodies, whether it's vocals, keys, or guitars.
The drumming is perfect. It's not just simply in the pocket, but instead gives the songs the right vibe. It gives the songs this particular energy and helps them flow, because that's what they do.
Especially this track. This track has a very particular kind of natural flow and fluency to it that works basically because of how warm the tones of the instruments are.
"Wrecking Ball" feels like a track from the mid to late 90s that you would hear on late-night MTV.
It's certainly indie rock, but again, it's got this warm tone; melodic vocals that are laced throughout the track, it layers both acoustic and electric guitars at once, it's got little piano notes that float through it, and some sort of rambunctious but tasteful lead guitar stuff that goes on top of the acoustics at times.
You kind of get the feeling that they recorded it all at once. It almost feels like a live recording just because of the way the synergism flows between the instruments and the players.
All in all, this was really good. Super catchy, loads of character, and a blend of different rock approaches, still keeping to that warm tone and very heavily melodically based, so that you have hooks bouncing around in your brain long after songs have ended.
After listening to the record, I wanted to sit down with the band and find out exactly where this stuff came from and what might be coming up next for them as well.
So, don't miss the record, and while you're listening to it, check out our interview with MANBIRD! below.
Where did this record come from and what was it about?
Think Tank as a song is pretty angry, actually. In fact, the whole EP is angry, angry about different things. Angry and a bit exhausted, because anger is quite tiring. Think Tank is thoroughly pissed off with the constant white noise of misinformation, disinformation and, well, lies, pumped at us through every media source. It asks the questions, ‘Why is this happening? Who is benefitting from it?’ Unfortunately, it hasn’t got a verse where the questions get answered.
I am hearing a few different styles on this single. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Different styles coming together is a good thing. We like to surprise one another. It’s great to start with thing going in one direction, only to find that another person drags it off in another. I guess that’s where the psychedelia reference comes in. To me psychedelic music is at its best when it is something familiar that becomes surprising. Think Tank started with words and energy that are an homage to the late great Adrian Borland from The Sound. If you’ve never come across him, there’s a great documentary about him you can find online. Of course, the big influences lie behind every part of the songs, like they’ve haunted all great rock and roll since: Bowie, The Who, Neu, first wave punk, Iggy Pop, Tom Verlaine. I could go on.
Are you guys performing live right now?
Right now we are focusing on recording. We had some dates in Italy planned late last year but we felt the time wasn’t right. It feels like our sound is developing song by song and we’re liking seeing that through. Preparing for gigs would be a distraction. Maybe later this year, the time will b right for some gigs.
This is your first full EP release correct? How did this all start for you as a band?
Rich Vernon is to blame for all of this. He’s played bass with loads of big artists and, from what he says, he looked back and thought that me and Steve Hands would be good to put together to see what happened. Steve is a really creative drummer, not in a flouncy way, in an energetic and artistic way. Like those players on great albums like Lust For Life and Low. Rich was right. Working with Rich and Steve is great. We’re loving it.
Did you work with a producer on this album, or was this all you?
Well, this is the next chapter in the story after bringing Steve and I together. Once Rich had the three of us putting songs together, he brought in Gwynfor Vernon to mix and master what we’d done. But Gwynfor brought a lot more than that. He sings and plays lots of instruments. He was itching to go beyond mixing and mastering. So, of course, he did, and he’s added a whole other level of surprise. So, yes, Gwynfor has produced the EP, but basically he’s a MANBIRD! We’ve lured him in.
What's next for you? Working on more new releases?
We’re currently finishing off recording another three song EP for summer release. So far, I’m really pleased with it. And, on top of that, we’re working on the songs for a further EP later in the year.
What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming bands or artists trying to get heard?
I don’t think there is one right thing to do other than keep making music and putting in front of people in any way you can think of that is achievable. Don’t wait for the approval of others. Just get on with it. Don’t be shy. It can be painful and invites comment. But there’s no other way to do it. If you paint a picture, nobody will recognize you’re a genius unless you hang it on a wall where people pass by and see it.
What would you say people can expect to hear on this EP?
I hope that what I want them to hear is what they do hear, but life isn’t always like that. I want to say people can expect to hear words that make them think, tunes that stick in their heads and music that is exciting and interesting.
Before we go, what would you want to express to fans of the music?
It is immensely humbling that anyone takes the time to listen to MANBIRD! We love it when people like what we do. Making the music is great but other people appreciating it is greater still. Talk to us! Rich has a MANBIRD! Instagram account.
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