slumberland records

keeping it foolish since 1989

NOTE: We will be on holiday from November 23rd-Dec 1st; mail order resumes on Dec 2nd.

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Slumberland is very happy to bring you the first release by the San Francisco/Oakland band Manatee. Featuring Black Tambourine/Whorl alumnus Mike Schulman, Manatee were a relatively short-lived project who, on this evidence of this fine single, flamed-out far too quickly. Inspired by bands as diverse as Velvet Underground, The Ramones, The Feelies and The Replacements, Manatee created a straight-ahead brand of power-pop that's as impassioned as it is timeless.

"Indecision" is an uptempo tune driven by a naggingly catchy guitar riff and Keith's ace vocals. Hearkening back to the 80s heyday of Game Theory, The Replacements and The Smithereens, "Indecision" is an effortlessly rocking pop gem that demonstrates the enduring strength of the basic guitar/bass/drums format when combined with great tunes and a passionate delivery.

"Fifteen Minute Drive" is a moodier affair, a minimal strum 'n' drum that snaps along nicely until it reaches a squalling stun-guitar coda, what was once a subliminal bed of noise becoming a torrent of squeal and feedback. That combination of melody and untamed noise is a fine summation of the Manatee aesthetic, and of course makes Manatee a natural for the Slumberland roster.