Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Manuka - To Invent Happiness

1/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Manuka

To Invent Happiness
self-released; 2016

​3.9 out of 5

By April H

Manuka's To Invent Happiness is a nod to an age before computers became a huge part of making an album. The music is simple, not overly mastered but the outcome is splendid. This collection is the product of the hard work of a father and son duo mixed the old-fashioned way at a home studio of sorts. 

​Samuel Glazebrook is the artist behind Manuka with credits for the song writing, vocals and all the instrumental used on this organically pure album. You can hear the emotions on each of the tracks with the title track “To Invent Happiness” being my favorite by far. While the vocals are not perfect, there is so much feeling in the music it is easy to get past that. The lyrics are relatable and remind me of a very Americana example of folk rock. 

“Pay the Fine” was an interesting song just based on the topic; it boils down to people around you taking responsibility for things that they did not cause. It is a pretty simple topic but very timely and really spoke to me. I enjoyed the unaltered vocals and the supporting instrumentals were outstanding. I was surprised by the fact that none of the songs on this set were drum heavy since Glazebrook is a drummer by trade. It was a pleasant glimpse into his other talents for sure.

“Talk to Me” was an instrumental snippet that I enjoyed but also wondered why it was so short. There is some great pure talent there and I would like to hear more from all aspects of this album. The folk roots seem to intersect with just enough rock to keep this album interesting and current.

“Brother” and “Who Are You Now' round out the collection with a continuation of timeless lyrics and unaltered vocals. It takes a real level of both talent and vulnerability to put out a first album without feeding it through the available computer programs to smooth out the edges. I was impressed by this risk and enjoyed hearing the organic ways the pieces came together. 

As I listened to the set I imagined hearing it live but then I realized this would be impossible since the group is really a one-man set up. I know that Glazebrook has drummed in several bands but I wonder what kind of an impact the untapped talents would have if he found a band to play live with. It is time for him to step forward and out from behind the drum set to give it a try.
official website
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact