Manishevitz - Private Lines EP
(Jagjaguwar)
Exhibiting a severe case of Anglomania that crosses the Atlantic and several eras of British rock in a mere twenty-one minutes, Manishevitz's debut EP reeks of Britain even when the septet isn't covering anyone born on the British Isles. Led by Adam Busch and Via Nuon, guitarists and songwriters, the group is rounded out by a cast of Chicagoans whose musical talents have been lent to Edith Frost, Pinetop Seven, Boxhead Ensemble, and the Flying Luttenbachers. Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello) is the most noticeable name on the list, along with Nate Lepine (sax), Jason Adasiewicz (drums), Ryan Hembrey (bass), and Jim Baker (rhodes organ). "Back in the Day," treading the line between Pulp and Super Furry Animals' more terrestrial fare, is a romp through a shag-carpeted world. With the reverse atmospherics of "Backwards Deck" registering at less than thirty seconds, "Private Lines" is the only other Busch/Nuon original to grace the EP. Busch's Jarvis Cocker impression is again in full effect, and the group backs him with a lush, galloping soundtrack led by pounding drums and the polite duel between Busch's dirty rhythm guitar and Nuon's clean, sliding lead. "Free Will and Testament," a cover from Robert Wyatt's 1997 album Shleep, is a lazy, whimsical tune built on a foundation of sustained organ tones, acoustic guitar, and more of the arcing slide work that led "Private Lines." "2.H.B.," originally recorded on Roxy Music's 1972 debut, begins with smarmy rhodes piano before gently rolling into the EP's most complex musical arrangement (credit the nice incorporation of all seven musicians to arranger Lonberg-Holm). Busch, just as he was able to find a bit of Robert Wyatt's voice in his own, accentuates the calm, collected, and ever so sleazy tone of Bryan Ferry well. Manishevitz can't take much credit for changing the world, but, as revivalism goes, Private Lines isn't half bad. With an upcoming full-length in the works, it'll be interesting to hear how the Busch/Nuon team can fill out a whole album, as the group feels decidedly more comfortable playing their original selections. Still, on Private Lines, Manishevitz boast a respectful British sound with far better teeth, even without nationalized health insurance.
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