One of the UK’s leading Grime musicians Manga Saint Hilare releases his album, ‘Everything Is Under Control’.
The introspective project – produced in its entirety by MoreNight – features scene stalwarts including Capo Lee, Frisco, Kamakaze, Murkage Dave and more. An artist who has never stopped evolving as an artist, the 16-track project sees him leap over sonic boundaries while still being powered by Grime’s propulsive energy. The album was curated over two life-changing years and represents an important chapter in Manga’s life as he embarks on the journey of fatherhood.
At the core of ‘Everything Is Under Control’ is a battle between two feelings: paranoia and safety. Manga partnered with producer MoreNight and faced new sonic avenues that forced both musicians to explore a variety of sounds for the first time. After an opening hat-trick of unmistakably grimy cuts – ‘Can’t Keep Getting Away With It’, ‘Like I Said’, and ‘Exercise’ featuring Kamakaze – the project shifts towards ambient jungle, with ‘They’. An ode to the influential women in his life, ‘U Be U’ captures the themes of self-empowerment and identity driven by empowering vocal contributions from Manga and Latvian-born Eliza Legzdina. Fellow Grime linchpin Frisco joins Manga on ‘Kill Sound’ a fiery track that captures an effortless trade-off across an uptempo production.
Longtime collaborator and friend Murkage Dave collaborates on ‘It’s Ok To Open Up’, an emotionally charged track that zooms in on the realities of opening up about our mental health. Powered by jabbing production, recent single ‘Alarm Bells’ featuring fellow Grime-linchpins JME and P Money carries a bold spirit throughout. That fearlessness shines through on ‘Everything Is Under Control’, a project packed full of artistic risks underpinned by Manga’s willingness for self-exploration.
A third consecutive MOBO Nomination for Best Grime Act at this year’s awards is a reminder of Manga’s influence in the scene. Next month, Manga begins his 6-leg UK tour, including shows in Plymouth, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and a London headline at Hootananny. All things considered, everything is under control.
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