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Mano McLaughlin
Saturday 15 September
Mano McLaughlin is one of the most authentic and unique songwriters in the country. Revered and cherished by his peers but without sharing their acclaim, he is the UK’s best-kept musical secret.
His songs are timeless and weave bitter-sweet pop and folk melodies with luscious harmonies. His idiosyncratic lyrics tell stories, jokes, and poke sticks into wasps’ nests. Mano’s distinctive voice can deliver punches, one-liners and arrows to the heart, with a wry, distinctly northern warmth.
Previously published by BMG, Mano has been writing and releasing records for almost thirty years with bands Robinson, Babel Tree, Meadow, and latterly as a solo artist. His first solo album, the critically acclaimed ‘Peach Got Bones’ saw Mano tour the UK and Europe, including supports for Steve Mason and Guy Garvey’s Meltdown Festival. Mano has also been a featured artist on BBC 6 Music.
Due to be released in October 2018, ‘Then Lightning’ is Mano’s second solo album. Using intimate home recordings as a foundation, Mano has been joined by drummer and producer Tim Thomas and bass player Gary Hadfield to add lush harmonies alongside banjo, clarinet, harmonica, omnichord and mellotron. This is an album full of warmth, wit, and humanity, produced with unassuming subtlety and charm.
“He has a witty, easy natural style of writing, as likely to make you laugh as it is to cry. It doesn’t come more authentic than Mano McLaughlin, his songs are sad but dryly funny, the English pop sensibility of Ray Davies meets the introspective folk of Elliott Smith. His imagery is simple but unexpected, and delivered with irresistible musical phrasing. An effortless knack for words and tunes; what more can you ask for?” Guy Garvey.
