NZ MUSICIAN
SEPTEMBER 2017 BY AMY MAYNARD
"THIS MATERIAL WORLD" ALBUM REVIEW
The brainchild of New Plymouth resident Andre Manella, Sonic Delusion ‘s ‘This Material World’ was recorded at Calvert Rd Studio with Matt Sephton from Coro Sonic Lab, and mastered by Mike Gibson.
The album is described as too funky for folk, and too folky for funk – and it’s just that – a magical blend of folk and funk that will keep you guessing at what the next track will offer.
The opening track, (coincidentally enough named Funky) is full of tasty bass grooves, punchy horn lines, a driving rhythm and catchy melodic hooks that make you want to get up and dance.
Words and Strings begins as a beautifully sombre ballad showcasing the softer side of Manella’s voice, then segues into an unexpected, thigh-slapping, uplifting folk number.
A favourite track is Remote, co-written by Taranaki’s Missie Moffat. It features a darker, deeper, and huskier Manella, interspersed with haunting wailing backing vocals.
Sephton has done a great job at capturing the essence of Sonic Delusion and together, Manella and his team have created an album that takes you through a myriad of musical genres with something for everyone to enjoy.
"THIS MATERIAL WORLD" ALBUM REVIEW
The brainchild of New Plymouth resident Andre Manella, Sonic Delusion ‘s ‘This Material World’ was recorded at Calvert Rd Studio with Matt Sephton from Coro Sonic Lab, and mastered by Mike Gibson.
The album is described as too funky for folk, and too folky for funk – and it’s just that – a magical blend of folk and funk that will keep you guessing at what the next track will offer.
The opening track, (coincidentally enough named Funky) is full of tasty bass grooves, punchy horn lines, a driving rhythm and catchy melodic hooks that make you want to get up and dance.
Words and Strings begins as a beautifully sombre ballad showcasing the softer side of Manella’s voice, then segues into an unexpected, thigh-slapping, uplifting folk number.
A favourite track is Remote, co-written by Taranaki’s Missie Moffat. It features a darker, deeper, and huskier Manella, interspersed with haunting wailing backing vocals.
Sephton has done a great job at capturing the essence of Sonic Delusion and together, Manella and his team have created an album that takes you through a myriad of musical genres with something for everyone to enjoy.
MUZIC.NET.NZ
JUNE 2017 BY PETROS
"THIS MATERIAL WORLD" ALBUM REVIEW
‘Tis the wrong season for Sonic Delusion’s new album, and it is definitely far too early for funk and calypso. Or it was as I trudged up and down those hills on the way to work on that, albeit mild, winter Wellington morning, This Material World in my ears.
Jimmy Buffett may be able to double barrel pina coladas in an escape from pterosaurs, but it would be hard for me to handle even one, considering this hills incline, and the numbness in my hands. That and eight hours of employment ahead of me… But a pina colada would the perfect wine matching to this album. A pina colada and some god damn sunshine.
The Spanish guitar mid-album was good though, the pace matching my reluctant steps, the soulful licks wandering like my mind to the many things I’d rather be doing, the places I’d rather be than working. Maybe Spain. It’s summer there now. Although, I don’t speak Spanish. But I’m pretty sure that was a line from Espanol…
Then it was back to the happy, upbeat music and I was through the bush walk and back into the wind and the constant buzzing of the hive on their morning commute. But now, in an office in the central heated hospital, at a decent hour (translation: two coffees in), enjoying the amenities the destruction of our natural environment kindly supplied, I can appreciate the music more.
Soulful. Happy. Upbeat.
Those positive adjectives used earlier are apt description of This Material World as a whole. I lack the back catalogue in the collection that must have influenced this work, but I can tell you it’s nothing you’d find around here, and in the way that makes it a perfect Wellington album. Obscure and different, with a modern use of brass instruments. Perhaps an analogy could be the The Black Seeds, or Fly My Pretties.
I’ve read Sonic Delusion describe themselves as too funky for folk. That’s not entirely true. Sure there’s funk on this album, not like any funk you’ve ever heard, there’s even a touch or two of jazz, but I can still see the folk shining through. It’s in the strum. It’s in the mastering. It’s in the tone. It’s in thought out, meaningful lyrics in a world where intelligence is out of vogue.
This is the work of an artist in isolation. Not afraid to diversify beyond genres. Confident in their own sound, Kiwi accent intact and all. Not swayed by the electronic noise that constitutes pop today, or the Rap and Rock that has been relegated back to alternative. It’s a niche sound, but that’s what folk is.
Soulful. Happy. Upbeat.
Those that know me personally, perhaps even those that have read my ramblings can infer, those positive adjectives above don’t often refer to me. This makes the standout tracks for me, at least the tracks I can relate to, the slower, more pensive tracks Remote, the previously mentioned Espanol and Words and Strings.
Words and Strings especially. Perhaps it’s intended as a more obscure metaphor than I’ve read into it, but the song reminded me of misguided advice I’d received in the past during an attempt at a one man band myself.
Soulful. Happy. Upbeat.
On the surface. But there is something deeper here. A message I can't quite discern from behind this cigarette, typing on this cellphone, between these buildings that were once a forest on a hill. Maybe that's the point. Spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down and all. Soulful, happy and upbeat to mask a message about the destruction this species creates. After all, those blunt eco-friendly messages, those child poverty adverts that are direct and in your face are so easily forgotten once the ad break is over and that microwave meal with a side of Shortland Street has numbed you back into slumber.
So who to recommend this album to? If you like pop, this probably isn’t for you. If you are looking for something different, and don’t associate with those caught in the brain drain of valuing sensationalism over discussion and intelligence. If you’re sitting in the sunshine with a fruity cocktail; this is probably the album for you.
You can find This Material World on Spotify, and likely Bandcamp and Soundcloud in time. Just to cover all your streaming preferences. Also there’s still time to catch Sonic Delusion live on the This Material World release tour.
"THIS MATERIAL WORLD" ALBUM REVIEW
‘Tis the wrong season for Sonic Delusion’s new album, and it is definitely far too early for funk and calypso. Or it was as I trudged up and down those hills on the way to work on that, albeit mild, winter Wellington morning, This Material World in my ears.
Jimmy Buffett may be able to double barrel pina coladas in an escape from pterosaurs, but it would be hard for me to handle even one, considering this hills incline, and the numbness in my hands. That and eight hours of employment ahead of me… But a pina colada would the perfect wine matching to this album. A pina colada and some god damn sunshine.
The Spanish guitar mid-album was good though, the pace matching my reluctant steps, the soulful licks wandering like my mind to the many things I’d rather be doing, the places I’d rather be than working. Maybe Spain. It’s summer there now. Although, I don’t speak Spanish. But I’m pretty sure that was a line from Espanol…
Then it was back to the happy, upbeat music and I was through the bush walk and back into the wind and the constant buzzing of the hive on their morning commute. But now, in an office in the central heated hospital, at a decent hour (translation: two coffees in), enjoying the amenities the destruction of our natural environment kindly supplied, I can appreciate the music more.
Soulful. Happy. Upbeat.
Those positive adjectives used earlier are apt description of This Material World as a whole. I lack the back catalogue in the collection that must have influenced this work, but I can tell you it’s nothing you’d find around here, and in the way that makes it a perfect Wellington album. Obscure and different, with a modern use of brass instruments. Perhaps an analogy could be the The Black Seeds, or Fly My Pretties.
I’ve read Sonic Delusion describe themselves as too funky for folk. That’s not entirely true. Sure there’s funk on this album, not like any funk you’ve ever heard, there’s even a touch or two of jazz, but I can still see the folk shining through. It’s in the strum. It’s in the mastering. It’s in the tone. It’s in thought out, meaningful lyrics in a world where intelligence is out of vogue.
This is the work of an artist in isolation. Not afraid to diversify beyond genres. Confident in their own sound, Kiwi accent intact and all. Not swayed by the electronic noise that constitutes pop today, or the Rap and Rock that has been relegated back to alternative. It’s a niche sound, but that’s what folk is.
Soulful. Happy. Upbeat.
Those that know me personally, perhaps even those that have read my ramblings can infer, those positive adjectives above don’t often refer to me. This makes the standout tracks for me, at least the tracks I can relate to, the slower, more pensive tracks Remote, the previously mentioned Espanol and Words and Strings.
Words and Strings especially. Perhaps it’s intended as a more obscure metaphor than I’ve read into it, but the song reminded me of misguided advice I’d received in the past during an attempt at a one man band myself.
Soulful. Happy. Upbeat.
On the surface. But there is something deeper here. A message I can't quite discern from behind this cigarette, typing on this cellphone, between these buildings that were once a forest on a hill. Maybe that's the point. Spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down and all. Soulful, happy and upbeat to mask a message about the destruction this species creates. After all, those blunt eco-friendly messages, those child poverty adverts that are direct and in your face are so easily forgotten once the ad break is over and that microwave meal with a side of Shortland Street has numbed you back into slumber.
So who to recommend this album to? If you like pop, this probably isn’t for you. If you are looking for something different, and don’t associate with those caught in the brain drain of valuing sensationalism over discussion and intelligence. If you’re sitting in the sunshine with a fruity cocktail; this is probably the album for you.
You can find This Material World on Spotify, and likely Bandcamp and Soundcloud in time. Just to cover all your streaming preferences. Also there’s still time to catch Sonic Delusion live on the This Material World release tour.
TARANAKI DAILY NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2015 BY TARA SHASKEY
SONIC DELUSION / MIKE'S BREWERY: Without Warning
New Plymouth music trio Sonic Delusion has released an aptly titled folk-filled album.
Without any warning whatsoever the artists' latest musical offering has the ability to carry listeners through an unexpected, far-flung reverie.
Without Warning, featuring Swiss-Kiwi Andre Manella, French import Severin Thiebaut and local lass Missie Moffat, delivers 10 uplifting, polished and feel good tracks.
Sonic Delusion strips away most of technology's insincerities, laying bare real people playing real music.
Woven through the beat's unfluctuating foot-stomp were layers of mandolin, catchy loops, quirky bass lines and solid guitar riffs.
There are hints of Latin, lashings of funk and an abundance of fiery folk.
This album is the kind you would have playing in the background while enjoying a barbecued meal and a couple of brews with friends, which makes Sonic Delusion's recent collaboration with Taranaki's Mike's Organic Brewery quite genius, really.
A lot of thought has gone into this partnership and it's clear to see the local artisans have crafted a winning summer combo.
The full-bodied India Red Ale, also titled Without Warning, was brewed with toasted caramel malts and boasts a ruby red finish.
With its "electroacoustic folk reincarnated as intense tropical flavour" the hop beer has been marketed as music in a bottle.
The balanced, light bitterness hangs around long after that first swig and for most craft beer enthusiasts it was a brew that had them longing for more.
A possible food match for the new-to-shelf ale would be a cut of juicy venison. It's probably worth drinking with a lined stomach considering the 330ml stubby packs a punch, containing 5.8 per cent alcohol, which equates to approximately 3 standard drinks.
SONIC DELUSION / MIKE'S BREWERY: Without Warning
New Plymouth music trio Sonic Delusion has released an aptly titled folk-filled album.
Without any warning whatsoever the artists' latest musical offering has the ability to carry listeners through an unexpected, far-flung reverie.
Without Warning, featuring Swiss-Kiwi Andre Manella, French import Severin Thiebaut and local lass Missie Moffat, delivers 10 uplifting, polished and feel good tracks.
Sonic Delusion strips away most of technology's insincerities, laying bare real people playing real music.
Woven through the beat's unfluctuating foot-stomp were layers of mandolin, catchy loops, quirky bass lines and solid guitar riffs.
There are hints of Latin, lashings of funk and an abundance of fiery folk.
This album is the kind you would have playing in the background while enjoying a barbecued meal and a couple of brews with friends, which makes Sonic Delusion's recent collaboration with Taranaki's Mike's Organic Brewery quite genius, really.
A lot of thought has gone into this partnership and it's clear to see the local artisans have crafted a winning summer combo.
The full-bodied India Red Ale, also titled Without Warning, was brewed with toasted caramel malts and boasts a ruby red finish.
With its "electroacoustic folk reincarnated as intense tropical flavour" the hop beer has been marketed as music in a bottle.
The balanced, light bitterness hangs around long after that first swig and for most craft beer enthusiasts it was a brew that had them longing for more.
A possible food match for the new-to-shelf ale would be a cut of juicy venison. It's probably worth drinking with a lined stomach considering the 330ml stubby packs a punch, containing 5.8 per cent alcohol, which equates to approximately 3 standard drinks.
NZ MUSICIAN
AUGUST 2015 BY CHLOE CAIRNCROSS
SONIC DELUSION: Without Warning
Sonic Delusion’s third album is such an international-sounding cornucopia. The mandolins and funk suggest Latin America or Spain, but nope, boasting recent Kiwi citizenship frontman Andre Manella hails from Switzerland. Aided by a successful Kickstarter campaign Manella presents this dynamic outpouring, typically shaped by his solo looping efforts, accompanied by Missie Moffat and Severin Thiebaut. One of the many images I get listening to this is of Paul Simon. We’re Starting Again and The Man Who Missed The Boat particularly conjure up the idea of world music, seeking inspiration from far-flung destinations. I think it’s also that none of the songs are solemn, catchy loops invite plenty of dancing and hip swaying. The 10 tracks are brilliantly crisp and filled with self-assurance. Bass lines go off in kooky directions in a bid to balance out the regularity of the guitar riffs. All in all, a very pleasant surprise, especially considering the album artwork appears to be of a blank, crumpled up sheet of paper.
SONIC DELUSION: Without Warning
Sonic Delusion’s third album is such an international-sounding cornucopia. The mandolins and funk suggest Latin America or Spain, but nope, boasting recent Kiwi citizenship frontman Andre Manella hails from Switzerland. Aided by a successful Kickstarter campaign Manella presents this dynamic outpouring, typically shaped by his solo looping efforts, accompanied by Missie Moffat and Severin Thiebaut. One of the many images I get listening to this is of Paul Simon. We’re Starting Again and The Man Who Missed The Boat particularly conjure up the idea of world music, seeking inspiration from far-flung destinations. I think it’s also that none of the songs are solemn, catchy loops invite plenty of dancing and hip swaying. The 10 tracks are brilliantly crisp and filled with self-assurance. Bass lines go off in kooky directions in a bid to balance out the regularity of the guitar riffs. All in all, a very pleasant surprise, especially considering the album artwork appears to be of a blank, crumpled up sheet of paper.
MUZIC.NET.NZ
JULY 2015 BY KERRY MONAGHAN
SONIC DELUSION: Without Warning
New Plymouth based band Sonic Delusion sound a little unexpected as their band name suggests, but upon listening I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to enjoy this album.
Without Warning is the band’s not-yet-released third album, and it’s a sensual delight to the ears for anyone who enjoys folk with something a bit different. Soft and harmonious and a little bit quirky, Without Warning has beautiful elements of Latin influence, and lingering vocals from the Kiwi of the group, Missie Moffat. Swiss Vocalist, Andre Manella, has a gentle voice, and lilt that matches their sound perfectly.
Tracks like These Boots have a wonderful jazz inspired tone, it’s soulful and a real stand out much like I’m a Firefighter, a great progressive indie style.
If you like soft, soulful folk with a bit of difference, check out these guys. A perfect chill out album for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
SONIC DELUSION: Without Warning
New Plymouth based band Sonic Delusion sound a little unexpected as their band name suggests, but upon listening I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to enjoy this album.
Without Warning is the band’s not-yet-released third album, and it’s a sensual delight to the ears for anyone who enjoys folk with something a bit different. Soft and harmonious and a little bit quirky, Without Warning has beautiful elements of Latin influence, and lingering vocals from the Kiwi of the group, Missie Moffat. Swiss Vocalist, Andre Manella, has a gentle voice, and lilt that matches their sound perfectly.
Tracks like These Boots have a wonderful jazz inspired tone, it’s soulful and a real stand out much like I’m a Firefighter, a great progressive indie style.
If you like soft, soulful folk with a bit of difference, check out these guys. A perfect chill out album for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
NZ MUSICIAN
FEB 2014 BY DAVID KEARNEY
SONIC DELUSION: Open Your Eyes
Swiss ex-pat, now Taranaki-based Andre Manella has been working tirelessly in recent months promoting this sophomore album which follows 2012’s debut ‘Positive or Negative’. He has brought his vibrant, spirited live show to over 70 venues across the country. Although he collaborates with a range of artists, Sonic Delusion’s sound is driven by the layered performances of one man – recorded, looped and woven together to create a textured, acutely atmospheric wall of sound. Live, this technique produces spontaneous, intensely personal performances, as songs slowly build with layers of guitar, bass, Cajon box drum and myriad vocals, and proceed to take on a life of their own, ebbing and flowing between nuanced, stripped back laments and buoyant, up-tempo toe-tapping anthems. The eight tracks on ‘Open Your Eyes’ (which are even more impressive after experiencing the live show), invoke a rich, colourful sonic landscape full of funky baselines, crisp, jazzy guitar riffs and warm, disarming vocals. Title track Open Your Eyes is a masterclass in pop-folk songwriting, while other standouts include the kinetic loop-centric Thinking About Today and stripped-back bluesy ballad House By The River. At times there are resemblances to Jack Johnson, Ben Harper et al, as well as American folk-punk troubadour Frank Turner, but the Swiss-Kiwi electro-folk raconteur easily carves out his own unapologetically ambitious and intriguingly experimental sound. An album as effective and multi-faceted as the famed army knife of Manella’s original homeland.
SONIC DELUSION: Open Your Eyes
Swiss ex-pat, now Taranaki-based Andre Manella has been working tirelessly in recent months promoting this sophomore album which follows 2012’s debut ‘Positive or Negative’. He has brought his vibrant, spirited live show to over 70 venues across the country. Although he collaborates with a range of artists, Sonic Delusion’s sound is driven by the layered performances of one man – recorded, looped and woven together to create a textured, acutely atmospheric wall of sound. Live, this technique produces spontaneous, intensely personal performances, as songs slowly build with layers of guitar, bass, Cajon box drum and myriad vocals, and proceed to take on a life of their own, ebbing and flowing between nuanced, stripped back laments and buoyant, up-tempo toe-tapping anthems. The eight tracks on ‘Open Your Eyes’ (which are even more impressive after experiencing the live show), invoke a rich, colourful sonic landscape full of funky baselines, crisp, jazzy guitar riffs and warm, disarming vocals. Title track Open Your Eyes is a masterclass in pop-folk songwriting, while other standouts include the kinetic loop-centric Thinking About Today and stripped-back bluesy ballad House By The River. At times there are resemblances to Jack Johnson, Ben Harper et al, as well as American folk-punk troubadour Frank Turner, but the Swiss-Kiwi electro-folk raconteur easily carves out his own unapologetically ambitious and intriguingly experimental sound. An album as effective and multi-faceted as the famed army knife of Manella’s original homeland.
TARANAKI DAILY NEWS
29.AUG 2013 BY ANAND ROSE
One of Taranaki's favourite Swiss imports, Andre Manella, featured under his stage name Sonic Delusion yesterday and played to a very decent arts festival turnout. The event helped to shed light on what musical talent lies in this region, and hats off to artistic director Drew James for providing the opportunity. There is an abundant music scene here, which is somewhat underground in a New Zealand music sense.
Sonic Delusion is breaking through that underground, thanks to Manella's hard work ethic: he's toured both islands in the past nine months. He took with him the tools of the trade - his guitar, loop pedals, a newly- recorded album, a house bus, a New Zealand wife and two kids. Manella enriched the audience with stories and new songs from his travels, showcasing his musicality, which has benefited from performing regularly around the country. "Our house bus is the same colour as the buses in Christchurch. When we stopped one lady ran 50 metres to catch our bus," he said. The style of music had plenty in the Mayfair Festival Club audience wondering, "How is he doing that?" The magic lies in a series of interconnected loop pedals, with which Manella can produce the sound of a whole band.
He pushed the boundaries, playing nice lead guitar over some very catchy melodic loops, which had plenty of toes tapping.
Onwards and upwards for our Swiss friend, who plans to record more in Taranaki then take to the road again in summer.
One of Taranaki's favourite Swiss imports, Andre Manella, featured under his stage name Sonic Delusion yesterday and played to a very decent arts festival turnout. The event helped to shed light on what musical talent lies in this region, and hats off to artistic director Drew James for providing the opportunity. There is an abundant music scene here, which is somewhat underground in a New Zealand music sense.
Sonic Delusion is breaking through that underground, thanks to Manella's hard work ethic: he's toured both islands in the past nine months. He took with him the tools of the trade - his guitar, loop pedals, a newly- recorded album, a house bus, a New Zealand wife and two kids. Manella enriched the audience with stories and new songs from his travels, showcasing his musicality, which has benefited from performing regularly around the country. "Our house bus is the same colour as the buses in Christchurch. When we stopped one lady ran 50 metres to catch our bus," he said. The style of music had plenty in the Mayfair Festival Club audience wondering, "How is he doing that?" The magic lies in a series of interconnected loop pedals, with which Manella can produce the sound of a whole band.
He pushed the boundaries, playing nice lead guitar over some very catchy melodic loops, which had plenty of toes tapping.
Onwards and upwards for our Swiss friend, who plans to record more in Taranaki then take to the road again in summer.
NZ MUSICIAN
SEPT 2012 BY STY EDWARDS
SONIC DELUSION: +or-
Swiss ex-pat Andre Manella sharpened his music skills in his homeland before relocating to NZ, where he is steadily making an impact in the live scene and song writing forums. His current project is Taranaki-based five-piece Sonic Delusion. Carrying a message of positivity, the independently released ‘Positive Or Negative’ blends a fantastic range of styles including funk, folk and Latin. With such a melting pot of influences the album could easily have lost direction, but this isn’t the case, it is a strong collection of well-written songs. White Bread Life has a folk approach with both funk and reggae undertones. Be Strong and Follow Me could easily stand as acoustic showcases with strong melodies and smooth accompaniments. Manella shows his more experimental side on instrumental No Name and the moody closer I Can Return. A solid debut that will certainly leave listeners intrigued and wanting more.
SONIC DELUSION: +or-
Swiss ex-pat Andre Manella sharpened his music skills in his homeland before relocating to NZ, where he is steadily making an impact in the live scene and song writing forums. His current project is Taranaki-based five-piece Sonic Delusion. Carrying a message of positivity, the independently released ‘Positive Or Negative’ blends a fantastic range of styles including funk, folk and Latin. With such a melting pot of influences the album could easily have lost direction, but this isn’t the case, it is a strong collection of well-written songs. White Bread Life has a folk approach with both funk and reggae undertones. Be Strong and Follow Me could easily stand as acoustic showcases with strong melodies and smooth accompaniments. Manella shows his more experimental side on instrumental No Name and the moody closer I Can Return. A solid debut that will certainly leave listeners intrigued and wanting more.
