Reviews

DEMO OF THE MONTH: Sandman (Sheffield) Magazine (Issue 014 / Nov 2003)
Reviewer: Richard Hunt
"The first two songs on this demo were well produced slices of standard rock music influences by such bands as Metallica and Alice in Chains. They lacked in variety after about the sixth repeat of the chorus and should have ended far sooner than they did. In the third track though, they are responsible for what I believe is one of the most inspired and impudent pieces of music to come out of Sheffield this year. "P.M.T.O." is a blended composite of speed metal and "The Divine Comedy" that entertains a little more with each listen. From the intitial garbled high pitched voices and Gregorian chant, through the finger tapping staccato axe, the bouncy cheekiness of the verse, the grunting metal of the chorus, to the ethereal almost "ABC" like ending, it makes me want to see them play and, after all, that is the point of a demo"

LIVE REVIEW: Sandman (Sheffield) Magazine: Issue 029 / February 2005
The Boardwalk, Sheffield, January 13th 2005 (supported by Silverjet and Likewise)
Reviewer: Will Barker
"Mantank were the headlining band and there was a definite change in atmosphere as they took over the stage. Something more aggressive and powerful was underway. The lead singer’s voice was strong, flexible, and blessed with a touch of operatic wonderment which was fantastic to hear with thrashing guitars in the background. The synthesiser was used well to their advantage – lacing the music with a luscious electronic vibe. "Intravenous Jesus" would be one of the highlights with thought provoking lyrics and very effective harmonies. Mantank are pretty different. And that is in a good way."

Sheffield Star Promo feature (Friday 19th August 2005) for Saturday August 20th Gig at the DnR Live
Reviewer: John Quinn
"SAYING TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES"
"Mantank sound like a force to be reckoned with...
The quartet comprising Jonny (Vocals/guitars/keyboards), Mac (Guitars / Backing Vocals), Kirk (Drums) and Carl (Bass) played their first gig in 2003 but there have been gigging infrequencies due to problems with securing a permanent bassist. However, with the aforementioned Carl in position, the band are set to tank ahead with more live shows, starting tomorrow at the DnR Live (formerly Under The Boardwalk – where Jonny used to be bar manager). Their sound veers, in places towards hard rock but with a few musical twists and turns. They have a sense of humour too, which always helps."