From the archive - THAT music review!

For a long time, I've mentioned a certain album review I did once, which was accepted and went to print, and as I searched my intricate filing system on a back up drive, I finally found it, so I thought I'd share it. Turns out the phrase I used wasn't "yoghurt and marmite" after all!

(published in Powerplay magazine)



THE MANES
"How The World Came To An End"
Genre: Experimental
Candlelight Records

I have to admit this album wasn’t really my thing, being a bit too alternative for my tastes, but I persevered with it.
The Manes have definitely moved well away from their metal roots and “How The World Came To An End” is a dark mix of electronic experimental rock (I think) which frankly spends a bit too much time staring down it’s own navel. In their attempt to stay away from stereotypes and labels I think they’ve just ended up floundering on the edge of several genre that gel about as well as rice pudding and marmite!

It’s definitely aptly titled as if the music doesn’t give you a picture of how the world could come to an end it sure as hell makes you wish it would hurry up and do it. I found it took a step too far down the experimental road and was simply discordant and disjointed.

There was a redeeming track on there “I Watch Your Fall” which had a very Peter Gabriel feel to it and even gave me hope for the rest of the album, but sadly it didn’t deliver.

If you like your music “out there” then give it a go, but personally I’d rather hurl myself enthusiastically into the world of Pop Idol than go through it just one more time.

4 (power points) ALLI PRICE