Press

The Globe and Mail
Brad Wheeler of The Globe and Mail proclaims The Manvils ‘Turpentine “…a killer single that is lustrous and bold.”
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SoundProof * * * */5
Vancouver’s garage punk rock band The Manvils put down 11 tracks on their new self-titled CD. If you like fast, high energy music with strong vocals, this is the CD you want. From the first song, “Good Luck Club”, to the last, “Passport”, this is one rocking, high energy CD. Strong guitars mesh well with the bass and drums for a full sound, and the vocals work perfects each song. There are also elements of psychedelic melodies throughout the CD, particularly on the last track. It’s a very promising debut for this young West Coast group. This is a band to watch in the future.

PopMatters: 8/10
Joshua Kloke from Pop-Matters writes, “The search for genuine rock ‘n’ roll can be a fruitless one. The dodgy back alleys is where you’ll find the Manvils, a Vancouver trio who comes at you with an immediate sonic punch to the gut on its self-titled second full-length release. Although the Manvils owe a drink and a debt of gratitude to its predecessors, including the Tragically Hip on the tumbling yet uplifting “Substation” and Them on the harmonious sway of “The Stoker”, the band harnesses these sounds remarkably and adeptly, creating a vibe all its own. Lead singer and guitarist Mike Manville emits an omnipresent howl that not only keeps the record afloat but directs its ebb and flow. “Madame Guillotine” shakes with fervent emotion and may be the one to bring the house down, but ever the students of history, the Manvils will probably build it up again soon enough.”

Backstage Vancouver gives The Manvils a perfect score. * * * * */5

Access Magazine: 8/10

Pixlpop Germany
“The hard, punk infected beat by The Clash or even the rock of The Who is now a musical blueprint for this band. Smart, fast…simultaneously danceable and glamorous.”

The Georgia Straight
“There is nary a wasted note on The Manvils. The arrangements are concise, the musicianship tight and impassioned. So if you want one of those 500 vinyl beauties, you’d be well-advised to act now, before everyone else in the country is scrambling to get their hands on them…In 20 years, you’ll still be glad you did.”

The Hour * * */4
“While their voice is clearly North American, this Vancouver quartet taps into the British indie sound with complete ease. And there’s plenty of evidence of this on the band’s self-titled second album. Just listen to Substation and you’d swear it was an outtake from a Smiths album. Another outstanding track is Riverside, on which vocalist/guitarist Mike Manville bares his soul to the woman he loves in this beautifully textured piece with razor-sharp guitar hooks. Boasting a good selection of up-tempo pieces and ballads, The Manvils present a balanced approach to their multifaceted style that melds everything from pop to metal.”

Backstage Rider Blog
The Manvils is a catchy and scratchy bit of Jolly Olde Engerland-y rock. It passes through the 70s, reverbs around with an occasional bluesy Zeppelin shuffle and/or bellow, then smacks into The Jam and finally tips its hat to Pete Doherty. There’s nice production on the album (thanks Limblifter/Age of Electric’s Ryan Dahle!), tight performances, and it’s got that warm vinyl-y sound. Hail the warm vinyl sound. HAIL IT.”

EXCLAIM!
“The band are served best by the likes of “Turpentine,” a wonderful song with a ’60s garage influence, and the other upbeat songs put the Manvils in a great light.”

EXCLAIM!
“Fronted by the jovial and boisterous lead singer/guitarist Mikey Manville, the band kicked off the night by premiering their new video for “Turpentine,” which features Hollywood actor John Savage, of The Deer Hunter fame. The video was a speedy take on Pulp Fiction, in which a desperate dude beats a man to death with an ashtray. All the while, the Manvils, clad in Sgt. Pepper’s-esque uniforms kept up a snarling, uniquely Canadian beat.

Finally, the Manvils took the stage, putting forth chunky rhythms and a propulsive sound. The three-piece were louder than one might expect and treated the crowd to many a high-octane number from their self-titled sophomore effort. Debuting punk-ish numbers full of bravado, the Manvils soon plowed through “Turpentine,” with Mikey Manville joking about about how well the video would do on MuchMusic. Funny, seeing as how a video like “Turpentine” is exactly the kind of shot in the arm that MuchMusic needs.”

The Province
“Right from the beginning, “Good Luck Club,” the Manvils take control and don’t let go. Perhaps the peak is “The Stoker,” that has the band at its most wantonly commercial (a chant will do that) but “Madame Guillotine” and “True Believers,” which follow, burn with dramatic intensity.”