Album review: MANIC EDEN
Mascot Records [Release date 12.04.24]
When Manic Eden released their self-titled debut, and only, album back in 1994 I was keen to get hold of a copy (I seem to recall this was a Japanese only release at first and paying a fortune for it) as I was a fan of both Whitesnake and Little Caesar. On paper this was bound to be a triumphant release for the band but unfortunately the project was short lived, until now where the album gets a re-release (and a first appearance on vinyl too).
Three quarters of Manic Eden is made up of Whitesnake members bassist Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldridge on drums and guitarist Adrian Vandenberg (who also painted the distinctive album cover), the three had a ready developed chemistry and dynamic and had already recorded the instrumental tracks for the album when Little Caesar’s Ron Young was brought in to provide the vocals, what a great choice that was, and together the band created an organic feeling album that has a bluesy, almost funkiness to it.
There are a couple of slower tracks that showcase the vocals to great effect, “Do Angels Die” and “Dark Shade Of Grey”, then you have songs like “Pushing Me” which delivers a massive sonic punch and album opener “Can You Feel It”, or “Keep It Coming” which is a fine blend of both styles.
You can hear Vandenburg’s influences throughout the album, there is a touch of Hendrix to the afore mentioned “Do Angels Die” and some Jimmy Page like moments to “Ride The Storm”, and with David Coverdale off working with Page at the time you do wonder if a couple of the tracks on the album were written with the idea off passing them over for consideration.
“Manic Eden” is well worth a listen if you haven’t heard it before, and a great one to revisit if you haven’t heard it for years. ****
Review by Nikk Gunns
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
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Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
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