The culmination of two years of writing, gigging and recording, ‘Joys of Life’ is a raucous, razor sharp, and visceral document of a band at the peak of its powers. Manflu are a London art-punk quintet who have a truly transglobal heritage; members come from Kazakhstan, Japan, France, Brooklyn and London. Their influences include Can, Siouxsie and The Banshees, and Devo, whilecomparisons have been made with Xmal Deutschland, Sonic Youth and Captain Beefheart.A confrontational and unique live proposition, Manflu have played a series of residencies at various venues and warehouse raves around East London and have earned support slots with post-punk heroine Lydia Lunch and Mike Watt of DIY punk forefathers Minutemen. The album was preceded by the promotional film to the closing song of the record and live favourite, "Tek", clocking in at an epic 10 minutes and references krautrock legends NEU! and the harder industrial elements of Nine Inch Nails. It was premier by Vice UK.
The album itself covers a vast range of influences, from western post-punk, prog and No Wave through to Eastern European Polka and 16 bit video game soundtracks. A diverse, challenging but ultimately a rewarding and "joyous" record.
Source: Press Release
