By Daffs (TwoDaff)
Manilla Times are a 4-piece indie rock & roll band, composed of 3 Welsh lads originally from Mold in North Wales, and an Irish lead singer from County Fermanagh, Ireland. Their main inspiration comes from an eclectic mix of artists spanning various eras, including the likes of Eagles, David Bowie, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys and Catfish & The Bottlemen. For fans of The Snuts, Sea Girls & RATS.
2022 has been a massive debut year for the band so far, with 3 singles released amassing over 3K streams, sell-out shows in Chester, Manchester, Liverpool, Wrexham and Cambridge, and a growing fanbase across the UK. Their debut EP “Informal Edits” (recorded & mixed in Wrexham by Paul Williams from Altitude, and mastered by legend, Pete Maher) will be released on Friday 23rd September, coinciding with their biggest headline gig to date at Off The Square in Manchester.
Manilla Times are Jack McKelvey (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Jase Watkins (Lead Guitar), Ollie Neave (Bass) and Sean Wheldon (Drums).
I was delighted to be given a sneak preview of this EP, even more so after listening to it. Opening with the title track Informal Edits, which is a short dreamy instrumental, swirling chimes, gentle bass notes and subtle beats. A nice intro, it almost has a Sunday morning church bells feel to it. Completely different to what is to come, yet it sets things up nicely.
“A short dreamy instrumental”
Up next is ‘Fifteen Times’, catchy riffs and hooks add an element of funk initially, a hushed almost whispered growl of a vocal in parallel with the melodic funky guitars adds an edge to the track. The last line “I read your story at least 15 times” see’s a change in tempo and style, the track becomes more rock than funk as it changes in pace and direction, pounding drums, driving bass and soaring guitars take the song to its conclusion.
“Melodic funky guitars”
‘Shake’ , again is a funk driven track, packed full of melodies throughout the verse before a driving chorus, another strong vocal performance. The blend in tone with the vocal and shimmering guitar leads add a real sparkle to proceedings and intertwine with funky bass lines and drum patterns.
‘Dirty Trainers’ is next, opening with a descending bass line, and trademark chiming guitars with a spoken vocal before erupting into a funky rhythm, infused with classic Britpop guitar riffs. This is a really catchy track, great vocals again and blistering guitar solos with a hint of Wah. I really like this track. Its uplifting and fun.
“Infused with classic Britpop guitar riffs”
‘Why don’t you stay’ is the penultimate track and has more of a typical ‘Indie’ vibe synonymous of the sound of today, again the guitars shine on this, intricate riffs drive this track forward. The vocal is great I really like Jack’s voice throughout this EP. This track has an underpinning rock feel to it, with yet another catchy rhythm right from the get go.
The final track is ‘Queen of California’ , opening with the line “You’re not the Queen of California, Honey it’s just a persona” backed with slightly driven guitar strums is a great opening. A gentle bass and steady paced drum pattern comes in, underpinning the vocal and again those melodic, almost chiming guitar riffs.
“Skilled and accomplished”
Manilla Times have definitely shown that they are skilled and accomplished musicians, not only in the music but also the lyrics and the way the tracks have been put together, there are elements of funk in a lot of tracks yet this is merged with the defining indie sound of today. The vocal is great it’s not in your face, it doesn’t scream at you but it blends perfectly with the rest of the band. Its powerful, yet its subtle, authoritative without being overplayed.
It’s a great sound in my opinion, add this in to the mix and they have a sound that is unique. The tracks are catchy, with great rhythms, powerful drum and bass lines that provide a canvas for the melodic guitar parts and vocal. A really strong debut EP and I am looking forward to hearing much more from these guys.
Find out more here
