Manzana
April 22nd 2009 01:45
Review:
Wash My Sins Away – The introduction to this album is compelling. There is a good, lively pace within this track. The vocals are primarily female with a male backing, which seem to create a perfect harmony. The guitars maintain a decent rhythm throughout the track and are accompanied by some fitting effects here and there. Overall, the song has a good atmosphere to it and is very catchy creating a pleasant introduction to the album.
Panda Girl – I think this track would be great for the teens! It has that popular rock feel to it with basic and simple rhythms. The vocals create a sense of angst within them which would really appeal to that market. Basically, I can see how this would be getting lots of airplay.
Sweet Revenge – This song manages to create a ‘feel good’ effect. Again, it has catchy rhythms and a simplified structure. However, in this one we get a nice double kick to the drums. The bass really stands out in this one making it that tad more interesting. I like how Manzana keep their vocals in a low range. It makes it that much more serious and direct with their lyrics.
Near Death Experience – Within this song Manzana create an intriguing, dark essence. This track would make good club music. It is filled with angst ridden vocals, catchy rhythmic guitars, an eerie, atmospheric backing effect and well paced drums.
End Of The World – Wickedly toned femme vocals are accompanied by smooth, low toned guitars and well paced drums. It is yet another track I can see would be getting lots of airplay. This band seem quite good at creating catchy music which should appeal to the masses. Well, the masses within the darker spectrum of course! This particular track has a Mindless Self Indulgence edge to it’s pace / rhythm.
Fake – A heavy, rhythmic guitar introduction with some nice complimentary effects. More catchy tunes, sinister femme vocals, good harmonies, some creative bass lines in parts and another good effort by Manzana overall. Honestly, I think Dynamic Arts Records must have been beaming when they got their hands on this album as Manzana just seem to be a record companies dream with image, sound and overall appeal.
Nothing As Whole As A Broken Heart – This one seems to incorporate a jazz feel to it. It is more of a mellow track, yet still maintaining that angsty edge. It includes some good riffs within its structure. The chorus has a good atmosphere to it along with some interesting interludes.
World Is A Vampire – Within the chorus, this track bestows a ‘sing along’ type feel to it. Yes, it’s catchy, theme like and presents a solid dark, rock edge. I think these guys would do well here in Australia.
Cherry Pit – The last and longest track off the album at 05:40 and perhaps the most dynamic with its vocal harmonies. There is a nice, heavy rhythm throughout this one and reveals some interesting and good changes in its structure.
M A N Z A N A
BABIES OF REVOLUTION
BABIES OF REVOLUTION
The bio for Manzana tells me they are a Grunge / Rock / Metal band hailing from Finland. They have had amazing exposure thus far being aired often on radio and TV and even invaded the Finnish charts at #24 back in 2007 with their debut album ‘Nothing As Whole As A Broken Heart’. With this in mind, let’s find out for ourselves how Manzana are poisoning the people!
Wash My Sins Away – The introduction to this album is compelling. There is a good, lively pace within this track. The vocals are primarily female with a male backing, which seem to create a perfect harmony. The guitars maintain a decent rhythm throughout the track and are accompanied by some fitting effects here and there. Overall, the song has a good atmosphere to it and is very catchy creating a pleasant introduction to the album.
Panda Girl – I think this track would be great for the teens! It has that popular rock feel to it with basic and simple rhythms. The vocals create a sense of angst within them which would really appeal to that market. Basically, I can see how this would be getting lots of airplay.
Sweet Revenge – This song manages to create a ‘feel good’ effect. Again, it has catchy rhythms and a simplified structure. However, in this one we get a nice double kick to the drums. The bass really stands out in this one making it that tad more interesting. I like how Manzana keep their vocals in a low range. It makes it that much more serious and direct with their lyrics.
Near Death Experience – Within this song Manzana create an intriguing, dark essence. This track would make good club music. It is filled with angst ridden vocals, catchy rhythmic guitars, an eerie, atmospheric backing effect and well paced drums.
End Of The World – Wickedly toned femme vocals are accompanied by smooth, low toned guitars and well paced drums. It is yet another track I can see would be getting lots of airplay. This band seem quite good at creating catchy music which should appeal to the masses. Well, the masses within the darker spectrum of course! This particular track has a Mindless Self Indulgence edge to it’s pace / rhythm.
Fake – A heavy, rhythmic guitar introduction with some nice complimentary effects. More catchy tunes, sinister femme vocals, good harmonies, some creative bass lines in parts and another good effort by Manzana overall. Honestly, I think Dynamic Arts Records must have been beaming when they got their hands on this album as Manzana just seem to be a record companies dream with image, sound and overall appeal.
Nothing As Whole As A Broken Heart – This one seems to incorporate a jazz feel to it. It is more of a mellow track, yet still maintaining that angsty edge. It includes some good riffs within its structure. The chorus has a good atmosphere to it along with some interesting interludes.
World Is A Vampire – Within the chorus, this track bestows a ‘sing along’ type feel to it. Yes, it’s catchy, theme like and presents a solid dark, rock edge. I think these guys would do well here in Australia.
Cherry Pit – The last and longest track off the album at 05:40 and perhaps the most dynamic with its vocal harmonies. There is a nice, heavy rhythm throughout this one and reveals some interesting and good changes in its structure.
The entire album is comprised of a simple, mass appealing structure. The vocals vary with their sound and tone and hold great harmonies throughout. It truly maintains that dark edge being a Grunge / Rock / Metal band, yet seriously presents a sound most people would be able to enjoy. In essence, I think Manzana have a great future ahead of them and if you haven’t all ready, go check them out as they are well worth attention!
Piritta - Vocals
Henkka W. - Guitar
Klaus Wirzenius - Bass
Heikki Malmberg – Drums
Henkka W. - Guitar
Klaus Wirzenius - Bass
Heikki Malmberg – Drums
Review by Dea di Morte 21 April 2009
All pictures courtesy of Manzana, Mia Bergius and Dynamic Arts Records.
All pictures courtesy of Manzana, Mia Bergius and Dynamic Arts Records.
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