The Manvils

Vancouver, BC band the Manvils don't waste any time on their self-titled second album, coming out of the gates full of swagger and playing like they don't plan on taking any prisoners. That sort of approach, along with plenty of guitar hooks and vocal harmonies, should be enough to carry them through these 11 songs. But it doesn't quite. 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. There's no doubt that some of their success is due to Ryan Dahle's production, as he's given the band the kind of clarity and sonic attack that don't necessarily go hand in hand. At about the halfway point though, they try to show another side with "Madame Guillotine," an attempt at something slower and more melodramatic, and it falls flat. Thankfully, it's late enough in the proceedings to not completely undo all their earlier work. As long as they stick to what they do best, they could still make their classic rock record, just not this time.