The Manvils - The Manvils

Year Released: 2009

Label: Sandbag Records

Year Bought: 2024

Another record picked up during my trip to Toronto in the summer. This was flagged up in the local artists section of a record shop so I took a punt. Never heard of the band before but it seems like they're originally from Vancouver and relocated to Toronto.

There's something exciting about putting the vinyl down on a record when you have no idea what it's going to sound like. Everything is so accessible and instant these days (hardly new thoughts here, I know), but yeah, getting a bit of mystery in life is no bad thing.

Anyway, the record comes straight in with vocals and it's clear this is going to be a rock record, but as album opener 'Good Luck Club' progresses there's also hints of power pop.

'Turpentine' starts off with a classic rock and roll riff but quickly bounces into a Foo Fighters-style tune with a pounding snare driving it all along.

The more I listen to this record, the more I like it. Most of side A feels like a driving, modern rock record, with everything really tight and straight-down-the-line choruses.

'Strange Disaster' in particular reminds me of We Are Scientists and 'Riverside' develops into a nice ballad thanks to some good shuffling drums.

Side B kicks off with 'Madame Guillotine', which feels like an unearthed Deep Purple track, while the chorus of 'True Believers' is pure Pink Floyd.

The whole of Side B is more classic rock than side A – more head-nodding than pogoing.

I enjoyed this. It doesn't seem like The Manvils ever really broke through, but this is definitely worth checking out if you like your music to rock, but not go too over the top.

5/10

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