Release date 19th March 2021 [PIAS] Recording
So as the embers of 2020 fade and some tentative hopes are building that live music might actually be back on the agenda it is a matter for great cheer that up and down the country survivors of the great lockdowns are poised, straining at the leash as it were to get “back at it” and jostling for poll position, here, are widely lauded Manchester four piece “Blanketman” who, full of confidence, release their hugely impressive 7 track debut EP “National Trust” on PIAS recordings as a statement of intent. And make no mistake about it…Blanketman are the real deal here. Brilliant and concise, urgent and engaging, Blanketman epitomise the very best that the great indie-pop racket mobsters of our times stand for.
There’s definitely no hanging about on “National Trust” either as Blanketman rattle through 7 songs at a breakneck pace and totally grasp the awesome potential that the humble EP has to offer.
So, what is going on here. Well on “National Trust” there are unmistakable nods to and echoes of the early works of The Fall and Wire and Blanketman ably manage to emulate the extraordinary power of those early influences while maintaining their own nuanced sound. No mean feat that. But wait that’s only the half of it with the absolutely brilliant “Harold” recalling the complex and harmonious sound of The Pretty Things, whereas Blue funk reimagines Vampire weekend corrupted by street hassle era Lou Reed. You see the point. Lots and lots of influences mashed up in a near perfect ensemble render “National Trust” pretty well unmissable.
In fact, I’m putting it out there right now. This is my favourite cut of 2021 so far and it’s going to take some beating. So do the right thing and go buy it so that when the bands play again Blanketman are right there. I absolutely love this I really do and as an opinion piece that’s all you really need to know. An outstanding debut!
9/10
Reviewed by Von Goloka.
NATIONAL TRUST TRACK LISTING
1/BEACH BODY
2/LEAVE THE SOUTH
3/HAROLD
4/DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS
5/BLUE FUNK
6/NATIONAL TRUST
7/THE TIE
FOLLOW BLANKETMAN
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
