Rising British indie outfit The Manatees ring in the new year with the unveiling of their brand new track ‘Buttercup’ – a brooding, and arresting alt-rock bop that sees the self-assured trio explore the complexities of long-term relationships.
Serving as the final instalment ahead of the release of their second EP ‘Different State Of Mind’ next month, the introspective track serves as the follow up to previous singles ‘Call You A Criminal’ and ’Get What You Want’.
Commenting on lyrical messages embedded within the song, Manatees lead singer Jay Harris says: “It’s really about how exhausting love can be. Being extremely vulnerable to someone, yet utterly addicted at the same time. I love the intricacies you pick-up within relationships, and the fact no one on the outside could ever know what it’s truly like. The longer you’re with someone, the greater those intricacies become, whilst also putting so much more on the line as you delve deeper into life together. You have to jump bigger hurdles, handle more substantial squabbles and ultimately sacrifice something along the way.”
The tracks accompanying monochromatic music video, directed by Ethan Porter, reinforces the trios musings further, and sees each individual band member playing their respective instrument in intervals of “sensory madness”.
Watch the controlled, yet chaotic clip below:
Introducing… The Manatees
Hailing from a “sleepy town” on the south coast of England and now residing in London, The Manatees are school friends Jay, Tyler and Miller – a hyperactive trio of musicians who are on a mission to share their intoxicating “shiny-but-questioning alt.melodic” sound with the world.
Incorporating elements of hip-hop, funk and rock, the band have won praise and plaudits from the likes of Steve Lamacq at BBC 6 Music, and Jack Saunders who interviewed the lads on his Future Artists show on BBC Radio 1.
Their debut EP ‘Dream In Colour’ EP was released last April, and openly tackled the anxieties of finding your feet in an ever-changing world, emphasising the desperateness and loneliness of growing up.
Last summer saw the band take to various festivals across the country, including performances at Y Not Festival, Isle Of Wight Festival and BBC Introducing x The Hundred, as well as their own 11 date headline tour which included sellout shows in Manchester, Bristol, Southampton and London’s The Lexington.
The group are set to hit the road again this April, playing shows in major cities across the UK including Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Brighton, and London, as part of their Different State Of Mind UK Tour. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.
THE MANATEES ‘DIFFERENT STATE OF MIND’ UK TOUR APRIL 2024
Wednesday 17th April – Bristol, Rough Trade
Thursday 18th April – Manchester, The Lodge @ The Deaf Institute
Friday 19th April – Leeds, Headrow House
Saturday 20th April – Glasgow, The Attic @ The Garage
Monday 22nd April – Newcastle, Cluny 2
Wednesday 24th April – Birmingham, The Sunflower Lounge
Thursday 25th April – London, Colours
Saturday 27th April – Brighton, The Green Door Store
‘Buttercup’ is available to download / stream via Fierce Panda now. ‘Different State Of Mind’ is scheduled to be released Friday, February 23rd 2024.