In 2019, Geneva-based songwriter, producer and bassist, Manelik Sfez, formed the alternative rock band known as, Manelik, in order to draw the best from his musical community. You see, Manelik uses an open, variable lineup of top session musicians to create the music—a business model we at The Ark of Music are seeing more and more often as the world wide web connects more and more artists, causing distance to become irrelevant.
The current lineup consists of: Manelik Sfez (drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, violins), Marcello Vieira (lead & background vocals), Sed Bandini (guitars, pianos), Ivy Marie (lead & background vocals), Alberto Rigoni (bass), and Anders Ertboll (guitars).
Following up their emotional and dynamic debut single, Let It Rain, is the group’s first EP, the spirited and rock-centric, F.L.Y.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
OUR FAVORITE TRACK… Opening in epic proportions with the EP’s title track, F.L.Y., electronic and acoustic elements unite with a wildly dynamic vocal performance to form a composition that feels like a 90’s-era Duran Duran cut a track with Depeche Mode. The intent? To inspire and motivate…
“Donʼt say the sun turned to black overnight
Itʼs not a spell cast on you by the moon…”
Be As You Are encourages authenticity and self-honesty, first and foremost. It also offers the EP’s second straight vocal explosion.
Stars contains elements of the best 80’s rock had to offer. (THINK: Foreigner or Journey.) At 3:37 a dual guitar solo is panned wide in the set. Very cool, very crisp.
Really dig the organ that comes in at the chorus of, Twisted Life, a track about moving forward through the unpredictable obstacles in anyone’s twisted life. The melody once again has a smooth 80’s vibe about it, reminiscent of a time when songwriting and heart still mattered.
Closing with the rhythmically focused and dance-inspired, Insomnia, this yearning track has a world-style percussion and an urgently cool bass-line. Feels like a sci-fi film score number.
IN CONCLUSION…
Inherently positive. Created with a focused intention to encourage and inspire. A bright and nostalgic take on the neo-rock genre. Manelik’s debut EP, F.L.Y., shows real uniquity and a one of a kind zest for the craft of making music. Though each track displays highly original elements unique from their respective predecessors, they too carry with them common threads, namely in their enthusiasm and energetic appeal. All in all, the EP creates anticipation for the forthcoming full-length album. Check out, F.L.Y., below.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Depeche Mode meets Duran Duran with a twist of Journey…
BELOW: Listen to Manelik’s EP, F.L.Y., and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Manelik by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
(Want to have your music reviewed on The Ark of Music? Click HERE.)
Follow, stream, download & connect with MANELIK online:
