The third album project to come from Irish musician Niall Mannion’s Mano Le Tough moniker arrives in the form of his new 12-track At The Moment LP, which comes via DJ Koze’s Pampa Records, a label which has previously blessed us with music from names like &ME, Robag Wruhme, and Stimming. At The Moment is a beautifully eclectic collection of sounds, which dips its toe into everything from house and disco, to pop, electronica, and bass. It’s a project which will no doubt have you wanting
more in some places, while making you skip to the next track in others. Though this comes as no fault of Mannion, it’s simply one of the common pitfalls that accompanies making a diverse and multi-genre long player. That being said, there is an impressive level of cohesion between the styles, regardless if it’s the club-focused Pompeii, the bass-leaning New/Cycles, or the guitar heavy Fadó Fadó, every track gels together by way of a subtle, yet effective sense of familiarity. The crossover between dance and pop music can be dangerous territory for the unseasoned, you take the risk of alienating both sides if the balance is out of whack, though this doesn’t seem to be something that Mano Le Tough is susceptible to, he’s walked the line with careful footing, and delivers a record that validates his reputation as an internationally renowned song writer.
Where to start:
Pompeii: A swirling mix of quirky synth sounds and robotic vocal hooks
New/Cycles: Overcast drone bass, sharp drum transients, and layered voice echoes
Man Of Aran: Rhythmic percussive spills meet sampled vocals and bright synth licks
Previous from Mano Le Tough:
Trails LP (2015, Permanent Vacation)
Changing Days LP (2013, Permanent Vacation)
If you like this then check out:
Âme – Dream House LP (2018, Innervisions)
Lauer – Answers 2 Trouble LP (2021, Permanent Vacation)
Mano Le Tough – At The Moment LP is out now on Pampa Records.