Manners & Profanity – When I’m Gone (2023)
Take Kings of Leon and Three Doors Down, then twist the rock sound, shake it about, slather some darkness atop and kick it up the behind, and you might have a slight idea of what Manners & Profanity sound like. Hailing from East Anglia, the UK-based group is a relatively new band with only a few singles to their name, but they are a true force of nature. I might label the band as alternative rock, perhaps punk, or even emo-rock but these do not capture the intensity of Manners & Profanity. Defying labels, they swim about in a darker, denser and grittier soundscape licking various flavours of rock in the process.
Eager to pursue their passion for music, Manners & Profanity released a folk-rock album titled Bad Temptations as a debut. Needless to say, it was an exciting time, but the foursome felt they were destined for the heavier sub-genres of rock. In their words, Bad Temptations “proved to be an invaluable learning experience which has defined where we want to go…” Not necessarily relevant to this review but a fun fact nonetheless as Manners & Profanity are the furthest thing from folk-rock.
Blasting into 2023, Manners & Profanity released four singles in the past eight months. Following their tracks ‘Free Fallin’, ‘Loser’ and ‘What Is Mine’, the latest song ‘When I’m Gone’ shifts to a more alternative rock sound for the group. Unlike previous material that taps into an upbeat shove of punk chaos, ‘When I’m Gone’ is softer, calmer and less frenzied. Well, as soft and calm as a hard-hitting alternative rock song can be.
With a nostalgic flair, a leaning toward Creed and Three Days Grace can be heard with the post-grunge elements coming to the fore. Pounding drums meet bold guitars in a heavy thud giving ‘When I’m Gone’ a hard intensity. Yet, while the rock tones can toss you from pillar to post with its forceful nature, a mellifluous flow soothes the savage melody.
An elegant fusion of rugged vocals and rough instruments, ‘When I’m Gone’ is a highly sophisticated production. Interestingly, while there is a mature ease in the production, a raw innocence and jagged grit fill the single.
For more from Manners & Profanity, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
