Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Manikin makes raw, abrasive noise punk, and I love it. I stumbled upon this band the other day and instantly set out to find out more about them. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot out there. So, I just downloaded as many songs as I could and then listened to the tracks on a loop. It’s clear they were heavily influenced by bands such as Joy Division, Wire, PiL, as well as punk greats the Sex Pistols. The precise, driving rhythms provide the foundation for the songs, the burly bass lines and pulsing drums give the feeling of an imminent eruption, and layered on top of the hefty rhythms are a myriad of guitar effects that range from searing to distorted to jangly. There’s also a bit of trumpet and a straightforward, almost dead pan vocal delivery that often sounds likes it’s being sung through an intercom.

The music isn’t overly complex and it shouldn’t be. It’s basically lo-fi post punk that’s perfectly executed. It relies on punk trademarks along with some sonic experimentation thrown in for good measure. The results speak for themselves. Check out Manikin this Friday at Cheer Up Charlies as they celebrate their release of their new 7”, Minority Rules, available now on Super Secret Records.

:Manikin - Death March:

:Manikin - Face The Wall:

:Manikin - Perfect Picture:

- Dan Corbin -



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