On infectious track “Missing”, an ode to punk icon Johnny Rotten, London post-punk/power pop trio Manilow unleash a bevvy of warm guitar fuzz, stampeding percussion, and emotive vocals (which launch into a dual-layered party sing-along of sorts during the great chorus). The fast-paced rock – with tinges of post-punk – is also reminiscent of Brit-pop’s more party-fueled releases, like Supergrass’ classic I Should Coco. Wire’s excitably concise and punchy post-rock approach on another classic, Pink Flag, also comes to mind. Those are some very complementary comparisons, so Manilow are clearly doing something right with their sound. “I heard you’re missing,” is repeated several times with alternate vocal deliveries and tweaked guitar backings; the vocals in particular are quite impressive, in the sense that they maintain intensity and melodic cohesiveness while also retaining punk-laden authenticity.
“Missing” is one of four tracks off Manilow’s new EP, Cease and Desist, which can be streamed in full below:
