Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers - Can't Take It Where You Go Single Review

Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers
Can't Take It Where You Go
Single Review

An interesting blend of blues, jazz and folk, and a remarkably simple melody, the debut from Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers is largely unassuming. The classical guitars are painstakingly delicate, and while Mansi's deep and raspy voice seems quite out of place in a song so straightforward, 'Can't Take It Where You Go' puts over a great sense of sincerity and heart-felt emotion. Cat Stevens too was unassuming; it's an underestimated characteristic.

Noting the vocals, "Nothing went wrong - I'm just gone, I'm just gone yeah, I'm just gone", there isn't much going on, but there needn't be.

The flip-side 'Fire in My Eyes' is a complete contrast. If the White Stripes thought they knew the meaning of the word 'stripped down' they may need to think again. The vocal chants of 'ooo's and 'ahh's thump at the primitive rhythm with impulsive power, the unreformed guitars and wooden percussion suggesting this track was not merely written, but just erupted out of a jungle volcano somewhere. The edginess is truly impressive. Someone could be killed to the sound of this. Be wary…

The single is out on 10th July on limited edition 7" vinyl

8/10

Jamie Curtis

Review 2

Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers
Can't Take It Where You Go
Single Review

An interesting blend of blues, jazz and folk, and a remarkably simple melody, the debut from Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers is largely unassuming. The classical guitars are painstakingly delicate, and while Mansi's deep and raspy voice seems quite out of place in a song so straightforward, 'Can't Take It Where You Go' puts over a great sense of sincerity and heart-felt emotion. Cat Stevens too was unassuming; it's an underestimated characteristic.

Noting the vocals, "Nothing went wrong - I'm just gone, I'm just gone yeah, I'm just gone", there isn't much going on, but there needn't be.

The flip-side 'Fire in My Eyes' is a complete contrast. If the White Stripes thought they knew the meaning of the word 'stripped down' they may need to think again. The vocal chants of 'ooo's and 'ahh's thump at the primitive rhythm with impulsive power, the unreformed guitars and wooden percussion suggesting this track was not merely written, but just erupted out of a jungle volcano somewhere. The edginess is truly impressive. Someone could be killed to the sound of this. Be wary…

The single is out on 10th July on limited edition 7" vinyl

8/10

Jamie Curtis