Formed in 2002, the quartet of Paul Gross (vocals/keyboards), Zane Smythe (guitar/keyboards), Nate Perry (bass/keyboards), and Ryan Green (drums) has always taken the belief in playing live to heart. Following some well-intentioned advice, the group packed themselves off to the UK in the summer of 2006 for an extended four-month series of Club NME dates. Understanding their individual, and still developing style didn’t quite fit into any of the local trends at the time (think electro, think Eighties throwbacks, think mainstream alternative) they knew the pocket scenes of music, small clubs, and open-minded radio of the British Isles would be more conducive to them growing as a band.
Emptying their collective bank accounts, Manic left with just themselves and their gear. No product, no samplers, no giveaways, and barely any merchandise, not knowing what might come of this extensive gamble. Acting as musicians, roadies, bus drivers, and tour managers, the foursome had the learning experience of their lives, and while they returned dirt poor, they also returned a much stronger group.
“It was a great thing because it gave us a lot of time to develop our live show under the radar,” says Gross. “It helped us learn what we wanted to do live. It’s where we shine the most. It’s what we put most of our effort into.”
Drawing from their experience on the road, Manic joined their friend Shawn Jimmerson of Dolphin Force at his studio, The Company, in Burbank, CA to record and co-produce the Floorboards EP, released January of 2007. Following Floorboards is the band's second EP, Another New Home, released in July 2007. Once again co-produced by Manic and Jimmerson, and mixed at NRG Studios for a sonic boost, Another New Home is a giant leap forward for Manic and a good indicator of the powerful force the group is destined to be.
Where Floorboards veers towards accessible rock chords, Another New Home looks inwards, both for sounds and sentiments, showing glimpses of the group’s dark interior. Representing the distinct personalities in the band from pessimistic (Smythe) to realistic (Green) to blindly optimistic (Gross) to “the Larry David of the group” (Perry), Another New Home goes beyond what meets the ear. The multi-levels of sonics escalate the traditional rock format with the inclusion of noises from numerous unconventional sources.
The density of the guitars on the title track is punctuated with concentrated keyboard work. Balancing the thickness of the instrumentation are Gross’ emotionally-charged vocals. The mournful wails of “Nickel Medication” sound doom-filled on first listen, but upon closer scrutiny, there is an underlying delusional hope. In contrast “Carolina Ghost” is upbeat with joyful guitars and driving bass providing an excitable backdrop to the downbeat vocals. The EP closer, “Calm,” goes as far as featuring extended minutes of mesmerizing static that proves hypnotic.
“So many of the ideas we have we’re not going to be able to hammer out with the four of us,” says Green. “It usually ends up completely different than what we intended because we have circuit-bending toys and all these other things to create sounds that bring out another idea in the studio. We add another track and it turns into this monster.”
Their massive sound filled with audio manipulation and a keen eye for detail carries over expertly to the stage. Under a glow of red lights and amidst towering equipment, the foursome pulls its audience in with its gripping atmosphere. It’s obvious playing music is indeed what these four guys love most in life.
SKY STARKS - I AM THE MID - "ALL MY LIFE" (PROD BY ABSOLUT-P) http://usershare.net/ase8d46h6n72
Lets network! Brand new track, "All My Life"..prod by my producer Absolut-P. Listen, then download, real rap! Brand new interview with WLAR RAW AND UNCUT RADIO below. Lets go in!
Hey what's up!? Just came by to say you rock and leave some love on your page...I have a show at Chaser's in Scottsdale, AZ this Friday July 17th...Check out the flyer on my page for more info.
Also, all my Arizona friends! Don't forget to check out On the Scene with my singer Ladiebug every Thursday at midnight on Indie Music Phoenix. Keep up with AZ's ever-growing underground scene!!! AZTV Channel 7 Cable 13
Big ups and thanks for friendship. If your into dark, dirty, and wobbly electro, nab yourself this free download. http://www.mediafire.com/file/jytugfozzim/brainbug_nightmare_darkartois_remix.mp3 Also if you have a moment add my label @ www.myspace.com/bassmentprojex
Elektricity July 24th Electro House & Drum N Bass 21+ Full Bar 8pm-2am 6202 Santa Monica Blvd Hollywood CA 90038 (@ El Centro) Only $5.00 All Night. Dj Skrewd,Discopunk,Dj N8,Sal V,Mike Reign,Apok-C,Alpha Dk,Dj Konjure & Special Guest Mc Onyx!
Looking for a top-of-the-line studio to record your next project in the Orange County area? California Sound Studios has what you need to take your recordings to the next level!
HIT THA PG & CHECK OUT THE FULL SONG OF "iStar" & LET US KON WAT U THINK!!! ALSO MORE NEW PREVIEWS FROM THE NEW MIXTAPE SWAGGAC!ST'S VOL.1 COMING SOON!! MUCH LUV
Padrino te regala su nuevo disco baile consentido, solo escribe un poema , ensayo o texto donde digas por que te gusta padrino y por que debes de ser uno de los primer en tener su disco , te invitamos a que visites su space y cheques las bases.
Hey whats up its your boys from EdstanleY we need your help were trying to get our song "Drop your weapons" played on UCLA RADIO we need you to call in this sunday (Between 8 and 8:30 Pacific time) and request it for us the number is 310-825-9999 and listen in at www.uclaradio.com we would appreciate it if you could thanks
what are you doing thurs july 9th If your 21 you and your friends should come check out EdstanleY they have a show at the Blue Cafe in Huntington Beach Ca They're a 3 piece band Scott Gripe does guitar/vocals Justin Brescia is on drums and Dave Reese is on bass you would love the show it will be a blast , If you choose to come, email me your guestlist @ jvarnado@tmo.blackberry.n et so i can put you and your friends on the list, hope to hear from you
The address is 17208 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, California 92649
THEY GO ON AT 10PM !!! SHOULD ARRIVE AT 9PM please mention EdstanleY at the door myspace.com/edstanleypromo
Check out our photoshoot video youtube.com/edstanleypromo
A big hello to you!!! We hope everything's fine and want to give you some info about what's happening in the LANFEAR camp.
We added our little ballad "Just Another Broken Shell" to our profile. Also take a listen to "Synaptogenesis" and "Enter Dystopia", all three tracks are taken from our latest album “X to the Power of Ten”! Additionally you’ll find a little Making Off and there’s new merch available!!!
