"small steps – a collection of downtempo house – is a real treat from Bradford On Avon producer manif, especially following his previous release in May, pause. Like pause, small steps has a similarly synthesizer-led style that feels harmoniously ambient. It’s the perfect fit for where we find ourselves listening to most of our music these days. ‘Out to lunch’ is a particular highlight – one of those tracks that captures that vibe where you’re stuck between wondering what to do next and knowing there’s very little to do that’s worthwhile anyway." – JB,
www.thevinylfactory.com
"UK artist and producer Jon Turner has hit the airwaves under many guises, under his latest moniker, Manif, he’s paid an ode to his own authenticity. The latest standout track ‘Not Expected’ is a hypnotic blend of unimposingly immersive ambient techno, dubstep and house.
The glitchy beats along with the flurries of light keys ensure that the production will ensnare you right from the intro. From there on out, you’re in for a tantalising ride as Manif takes hold of your rhythmic pulses and uses them to guide you through a sonically cosmic mix which oozes entrancement.
With no lyrics to detract away from the efficaciousness of the progressions, Not Expected is the perfect mix to slip into if you don’t want to be completely in control of your consciousness.
You can check out Not Expected via Bandcamp."
Review by Amelia Vandergast,
anrfactory.com
The current global pandemic, and subsequent lockdown has resulted in a great number of us forced into isolation, resulting in a wealth of creativity, and musical production. In Wiltshire, this has resulted in a 12″ vinyl release from electronic music producer manif.
Small Steps is a 6-track collection of downtempo beats, electronic sounds, grooves and melodies. It’s minimal, moody, and a little ethereal. It’s largely instrumental, although some tracks have subtle vocal elements, that occasionally take you by surprise, adding an extra unexpected dimension to the release. Here’s the opening track, not expected…
The release continues in a similar vein, with synth patterns, chords and melodic fragments interspersed with dubby, rhythmic grooves, sometimes setting a darker tone, like the second track Looking Down…
Small steps is a personal favourite, with a bassline that reminds me of a Kraftwerk track, surrounded by a whirlwind of shimmering synths, and a delicate synthesiser pad peeking through…
electronica.org.uk/blog/manif-not-expected/
Beguiling house/techno pop with the feel of early 00’s electronica – think Karaoke Kalk, Morr etc but more four to the floor. Really enjoying this.
Beguiling house/techno EP from Manif with the feel of early 00’s electronica – think Karaoke Kalk, Morr etc but more four to the floor. Really enjoying this - all the more as it is a self release from one of our regular customers. Follow the link to check it out. If any other shops want to get copies DM me and I'll pass on the details.
“it's a really good record :)” Chris Farrell, Idle Hands
A fantastic electronic EP from producer Manif, which mixes house, atmospheric soundscapes, jazz and ambient vibes into a very fine record. Released on his own Cracks In The Sky imprint and only 100 copies pressed, fans of Floating Points and Four Tet check this out. Well recommended.
www.mrbongo.com/collections/all/products/manif-small-steps-vinyl-12
released October 28, 2020