ANDERS MANGA are one of these bands. You put them in your player and have no expectations at all. Somebody said, they are a electronical band usually and played some rock now. No, I didn’t expect anything.
But Anders Manga totally surprised me! On their newest outcome CATASTROPHE are 8 tracks full of perfectly written and performend rock music. Dudes, I tell, if they stop their rock era again, that would be a pity.
The songs are simple, straightforward and kill like a hammer. Don’t expect too complicated stuff. There are several influences you can here. One of the most important, at least for guitar harmonies, is ALICE COOPER. Most of you younger lads probably don’t know about Mr. Cooper, but let me tell you this one is simply the god of (horror) rock. On the other hand there are several other influences, which make the music a bit more modern. Don’t laugh when I tell you that the SISTERS OF MERCY is making the music modern. They actually do, when compared to ALICE COOPER. It is, cause the the drums are so straight that they could have been played from a drumcomputer too. They aren’t, there is too much groove in them.
On this little CD are 8 completly well-balanced, rockin, straightforward rocksongs. They have catchy hook melodies and very great rythms. All the songs are very individual and gives me the feeling, that the composer was there with heart and soul. Yes, I didn’t expect such a good album in 2009. I thought time were over.
Sound is very brilliant. As always, if ANDERS MANGA would tell me they were in the same studios as ALICE COOPER, I would believe. Don’t be confused, we don’t speak from a oldschool 70thies sound. Mr. Cooper recorded in the last years. And so is the sound here: brilliant, crystal clear, powerful. Bassdrums has a good kick, but not too much. Production is slightly compressed, but still contains lots of dynamics. That is important – most records today are totally overcompressed and I really hate them. Not here. Again perfectly balanced. Guitarsounds are very catchy, but not too much. On the whole recording the great voice of Mr. Manga dominates, and that is good. He has very strong and powerful voice which should make some girls weeping for love at night.
This record is now next to my oldschool records which I need to listen right after. Thanks guys, for recording such a great and rocking album. I really hope to see you live around here.
Offical Anders Manga Website
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Tags: Gothic Rock, Reviews