MANCUNIAN CANDIDATE

Another new world of melodic pop music. MANCUNIAN CANDIDATE were founded as a music commune by the frontman / drummer / vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Matthew SWINDELLS with such a massive intention to create progressive rock blended with pop / catchy attachment. I guess his musical background would have owed to 70s golden-standard pop / rock mainly, and he's created material sincerely with his motivation, regardless of current progressive worldly matters. Therefore their debut eponymous creation is filled with purely pop-atmospheric movements, not using cheap "so-called progressive (aka porg)" tricks or strategies. So-called progressive rock fans cannot accept such an unblended element I'm afraid, but let me say that his / their sound vision might be approved enough in contemporary pop / rock scene.

Their sound is not so complicated enough for the audience in progressive rock world but delightful and brilliant. It's quite mysterious even complex, multi-rhythmic vibes with Neo-symphonic keyboard-oriented hints like "Anikusdominuscrappedonfactor" can be accepted straightly (and this is one of my faves honest to say :P). Matthew's plain voices along easy-listening melody lines remind me also of alternative rock around 2000 and this should be one of the reasons why we, middle-aged rock fan, can be immersed in his / their soundscape. This creation features 14 not-too-long tracks flooded with enjoyable instrumental plays and comfort, both of which were moistened with his / their pure emotion, intention for rock. Not enough progressive essence nor complicated, mysterious sensation in this stuff but I do hope everyone can bring in a verdict of favour for Mancunians.