Breaking Out
"Most of these political bands, they weren't sexy were they? You know what I mean?"
Swindelli has decided to ask the questions - he's ManBREAK's infuriatingly attractive frontman - Lennon's sarcastic wit meets the motormouth of Naked's Johnny. Somehow ManBREAK manage to make music with brains and political balls whilst packaging all that passion into mighty melodic wake-up calls.
Poetic rather than didactic, infectious rather than tuneless, this is a story of social commentary and signing breasts abroad.
The boys - Swindelli (vocals), Mr Blonde (vocals/rhythm guitar), Roy Van Der Kerkoff (bass), Snaykee (guitar), and Stu Boy Stu (drums) - hooked up in May of '94, immediately securing a US and UK deal. A blinding debut album - 'Come and See' - is already in the can and available next year.
Whether it's the rap-over guitar-driven pop of 'It's On' (the straightjacketing hell of suburbia) or the crushing, string-laden 'God's Never Heard Of You' (the futile defence of waiting for God) ManBREAK drill holes in your consciousness. "Oh, me girlfriend's left me, I'm feeling really depressed, oh here comes the chorus" is most definitely not an option.
"Writing about something is better than writing about nothing," says Mr Blonde. "We're not offering any answers to and questions or offering any solutions but if you can add to the debate, you're doing something aren't you?"
America is smitten, the track 'Ready or Not' recently receiving a right old radio hammering. And the reception on this side of the pond?
"Er, shite," offers Swindelli. "All the media are a pile of Oxbridge types and if you don't fit into their musical landscape, they tend to ignore you."
Supporting Live on the first leg of their US tour they've played around a quarter of a million punters in just over a month.
Their sound, says their leader, appears to have a "certain resonance... a bit of vibration" with US females. Mr Blonde ("a fine example of manhood - the ladies love him," - Swindelli) enjoyed his first pen-to-breast situation in the States but allegedly "didn't look."
In October 'Ready or Not' will feature on the Mortal Combat soundtrack. Oakenfold's up for remixing the re-released track ("He didn't do a mix six months ago when we asked him," sneers Swindelli) and ManBREAK will hopefully witness some long overdue action at home.
But how will making milions alter the soul and scribblings of the ex-coffin handle painter who longs to "kiss or wrestle an alligator" and settle in St. Petersburg?
"I'm rich now compared to when I was on the dole. I've got more money now than I have ever seen in my whole life. It's only a few thousand but it's a f**king fortune to me. It'll obviously make you a little more comfortable but it's not being seduced by the whole thing."
Meanwhile, ManBREAK are where the work is, completing the second leg of the Live tour and planning to tour Europe and Japan soon.
Conspirators of dance AND debate - don't let them escape.
Author Unknown; from Event Liverpool, September 25, 1997
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