Die Mannequin – Fino + Bleed

When Die Mannequin’s Warner debut, Fino + Bleed, starts up, it’s hard not to feel like you’re back in the 90’s.  In fact, listening to front woman “Care Failure’s” first few lines, you’d swear you were listening to Courtney Love.  She boasts strong, smoky vocals and a brutally honest tongue.  The band’s website is plastered with pictures of her dressed in the expected grunge get-up – cherry red lipstick, gaudy jewelry, and revealing but altogether common attire.  To say Care Failure is a cliché is an understatement, but on a landscape where image is everything, she certainly fits the bill as a “rock star,” and doesn’t sound too bad in the process.

Backing up Care’s vocals is a backdrop of heavy riffs, abrasive guitars, and just plain catchy rock’n roll.  It’s not particularly original, but is it ever hard hitting.  For example, tracks like the not so subtly titled “Americvnt” and “Suffer” feature huge guitar driven choruses and solos.  However, the instruments serve to bolster Care’s passionate cries, escalating in tempo and intensity as her voice flares up or retreats into the background.  When she lowers her tone, as seen in the chorus of “Where the Poppies Grow,” she reaches a near-growl that really reinforces the 90’s grunge comparison.

That isn’t to say Die Mannequin isn’t without a degree of finesse.  In fact, on most tracks there’s a hint of pop-rock, reminiscent to fellow Canadian and modern female rocker Bif Naked.

However, the album’s biggest downfall is a very evident lack of variation.  In other words, Die Mannequin has tons of energy, but expresses it all on very similar terms.  Across Fino + Blood there are very few significant tempo changes or instances with Care leaving her comfort zone.  Everything here sticks to a tried and tested formula, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – but I can’t help but feel that it would have been nice to see all this energy and excitement channel into different outlets of expression from time to time.

Overall, Die Manniquin’s Warner debut is a release you’ll likely embrace or reject during the first thirty seconds.  If you love grunge and vocal-led radio rock then look no further.  Care Failure’s strong and commanding vocals will hook you through the entire affair.  However, a lack of variation means that those looking for something unique and definitive will want to take their attention elsewhere.