It’s no surprise that we here at KXSU are beyond stoked for Manatee Commune’s album release show. It’s expected to be a big night for the Bellingham-based electronic artist.
We’ve seen a number of releases from Grant Eadie in the past year, but this weekend marks a very special one: his self-titled debut LP, Manatee Commune.
This album is thirty-seven minutes of dance-driven beats, cosmic overtones, and whimsically complex melodies that strive to capture your attention throughout the entirety of the play. Skipping tracks is not necessary, as the whole album acts as one story, with each song a different chapter, blissfully flowing into one another. Using the natural ambience of the windy trees and people laughing as inspiration, Manatee Commune uses this project to balance the sounds of the created, and the creators.
Eadie performed not one, but two sets in Seattle for Bumbershoot 2016 over Labor Day weekend, and simply blew audience members, including myself, away. Seeing the mystical soundscape set to stage right before your eyes is a life-changing experience, especially when watching it all be made by one human being. He packed the KEXP stage on Saturday, September 3, and filled the KeyArena with good vibes and summer feelings on Sunday, September 4. It was an experience he described himself as “absolutely bonkers.”
Joining Manatee Commune on his release night is another KXSU favorite, Maiah Manser. This noir-pop goddess has been keeping herself busy, having just returned from touring with Shaprece along the west coast after slaying her set at Bumbershoot. She recently shared her single “Second Skin” off of her debut EP of the same title. It’s an intensely chilling piece, balanced out by a sense of comfort in Manser’s strong and soothing voice. Proving her power in an honest and open performance at Bumbershoot, we can only expect the same, and even more, from the pure enchantress come Saturday night.
Also coming to Neumos that night are Seattle-based electronic performers and producers Jamie Blake and Dream Journal. Each one will grace the stage with a variety of influences and backgrounds illustrated through their sets.
With such an incredible bill of Evergreen State artists, there is no doubt in my mind that the venue will have much more to party on about in addition to Manatee Commune’s new album.
Tickets are still available to Manatee Commune’s LP release party at Neumos on Saturday, October 1st. This is a 21+ event.
PRISCILLA GAMIT | Sea Cow Cooperative | General Manager