To celebrate the news, the band are streaming unreleased EP track ‘Try or Die’ in full today—a no-nonsense introduction to their roiling, tempestuous guitar-driven music, filled with righteous indignation and an abundance of frantic energy.
Produced by Chris Coulter (IDLES, Arcane Roots, Jamie Lenman, Sun Arcana, EMP!RE) at Decimal Studios—with additional production, video direction, and design by alternative-rock cult hero Jamie Lenman—the EP is a short, sharp punch of songs that boldly announces the band’s arrival.
Composed of guitarist/vocalist Iain Turner and drummer Lawrence Arnold, the two musicians at the heart of ManDown have been tight friends since childhood. Their particular strain of post-hardcore is influenced by the sound and attitude of bands like Rage Against the Machine, We Are 68, Black Peaks, The Prodigy, and Hundred Reasons.
With the guidance and involvement of Lenman during the recording process, the pair’s already succinct songs have become even shorter—one of the ingredients that makes We Want Blood such a ripping release, at just 11 minutes 20 seconds across 4 tracks.
Previously playing together in stoner blues band Welcome the Howling Tones, also featuring Paul Townsend of UK post-hardcore legends Hundred Reasons, the duo have miles of touring experience already under their belts on shows alongside Godsized, Jamie Lenman, Nick Oliveri, The Icarus Line, Breed77 and more.
The pair will be revealing more music and hope to announce live shows in the near future, pending developments in the live sector relating to coronavirus.
ManDown’s debut EP We Want Blood is released 9th July 2020