Luke   Mannix by Rob Forbes Pretty Strange Self Released June 11, 1999   Don't worry, they're not a Manic Street Preachers tribute band, that's what the Stereophonics are for. Based in New York, these Mannix are a (lyrically) hard hitting roots pop band led by one Mr. Joe Mannix, a singer, guitarist, songwriter and arranger of considerable talent. With regard to influences, the band cast wider nets than expected. No Longer Angry is pure Ogden's era Small Faces, gently pushed into the '90s via Paul Weller and Sweet Sevillian Song apes the Leiber / Spector classic Spanish Harlem right down to the Mediterranean feel and the awkwardly brilliant phrasing. Other highlights include the pure pop magic of Time Travel, the off-centre title track and Shafter, which may give some inkling of the results of a Tim Finn / Ocean Colour Scene collaboration. Throughout, the harmonies are understated and perfectly weighted, and the band impress constantly with their grasp of melody. They've recently been in the studio with Caleb Southern, producer of Ben Folds Five. Expect the results soon.