CD REVIEW: MANCHU EAGLE MURDER – The Long Road To The Desert EP

Shane | 9 April 2016 | Reply

CD REVIEW: MANCHU EAGLE MURDER – The Long Road To The Desert EP
Independent
4 June, 2015
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7 ½ /10

Nestled on the idyllic South Western coast of Italy, about two thirds of the way between Rome and Naples, lies the pretty town of Scauri, known mostly for it’s beautiful views and tourism.

It’s from this scenic location that Manchu Eagle Murder hail. A four-piece band who have more in common with the arid desert than the sparkling blue Mediterranean on their doorstep.

‘Long road to the desert,’ then, works as not only an indication of their personal journeys and that of their music, but also in a literal sense: looking at photos of Scauri the desert looks very far away indeed.

Through five tracks featuring enormo-riffs, distorted vocals, bass fatter than your Mama and pounding drums, Giorgio, Anotonio, Alessandro and Gianpaolo ride the hot desert zephyr through countless time changes and instrumental breaks, surfing the tide of their songs like they’ve been doing it all their lives, rather than only since their 2011 formation. It’s a nice touch having the sound of a record player needle drop and lift at the start and finish of the EP too.

For a taster, check out the monolithic mini-epic Golden Mountain for seven-plus minutes of riff heaven, and closer Nel Mali, which translates as The Evils. It’s the sound of the Devil laughing as he drives you down in a souped-up Cadillac on the open road.