With the recent feature here of GOTHAM’s late Eighties recording, many of you asked for the evolution of the band, same members but a different, new name: MANITO PARK, and their self-titled debut “Manito Park“. Formed in the heart of Spokane, Washington, MANITO PARK retained and increased the Gotham fanbase playing the Pacific Northwest club circuit, composing new songs and eventually recording this debut CD.
While “Manito Park” was a private release, production, mix & mastering is very good for an indie, with a melodic crisp sound. The songs are catchy American Melodic Rock, rich in harmonies and catchy choruses. There’s really nice multi-part vocal arrangements and tight musicianship, musically similar to Blue Tears, Bystander, Honeymoon Suite, Biloxi, Nelson, etc.
We find 15 tracks however three are short interludes, overall an easy listening record.
There’s hook-laden catchy cuts like “Surrender”, “Fool For Yesterday”, “Bridges Burning”, and lovable rockin’ AOR cuts in “Like Forever”, “Ariel” and the keyboard-filled mid-tempo “Daydreamer”, all adorned with huge harmony vocals.
On the balladry side, we have two AOR ditties in “One Last Look”, a wonderful tune complete with pianos & acoustics, and the Elefante brothers-like “Send A Miracle”. We have two acoustic-only songs; the melodic vocally layered “Oh Father” and the fun “Idaho Eyes”.
Although the indie nature of the record is obviously on a budget, Manito Park’s songcraft is strong which turned this album a much sought after piece by AOR / Melodic Rock fans and collectors.
Highly Recommended
01 - Bridges Of Prelude.
02 - Girl In Green.
03 - Surrender.
04 - One Last Look.
05 - Like Forever.
06 - Idaho Eyes.
07 - Daydreamer.
08 - Fool For Yesterday.
09 - Oh Father.
10 - Ariel.
11 - Duet.
12 - Down On Sunday.
13 - Stumpy's Choice.
14 - Send A Miracle.
15 - Bridges Burning.
Dave Dupree - lead vocals, keyboards
Bob Burdett - guitars, backing vocals
Lars Ziemba - bass, backing vocals
Rusty Knorr - drums
Manito Park – Manito Park (1991), MP3+FLAC
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