Mantaray was an indie band formed in Essex in 1993. Chris Latter (vocals, guitar) and David Standen (bass,vocals) were joined by Simon Mortimer (drums) and embarked on a 5 year mission of mayhem that saw 2 albums and numerous singles released via Dead Dead Good and Fontana (Mercury). Playing over 100 shows a year through this period across Europe and the UK, annoying the music press by refusing to join in and eventually securing a major label deal, described at the time as 'audacious as the Pistols signing to EMI'. Mantaray also offered up 'Sad' to the first Fierce Panda release, 'Shagging in the Streets', and contributed 'I've Got MIne' to the Ronnie Lane/Small Faces tribute 'Long Agos & Worlds Apart'.
Influenced by the Jam, the Who, Beatles (of course) but also the Pixies, Quick Silver Messenger Service, Jazz Butcher and the Clash. 1st album 'Some Pop' recorded in 2 weeks with all the bands mates joining in and basically having a good time and forgetting they were supposed to be making a record, culminating in a fun and upbeat collection of songs that nobody can remember how to play anymore.
2nd album 'Reds & The Blues' was a more serious affair, produced by Ed Buller, real musicians like Oliver Krautz and the Kick Horns were added. Made some great videos for the 2 Fontana singles including a cameo from Nasty Nick Cotton for Patient Man.
Managed by the great Roger Sargent, who made a valiant effort of keeping it all together, eventually they all just got a little bored of it all. You see, and let's keep this to ourselves, but some bands enjoy being in a band more than the music.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played a couple of tracks from the band on his shows in 1994, but never played any further material from the group after that, according to available tracklistings on this site.
Shows Played[]
- 09 September 1994: Insomniac's Dream (single) Dead Dead Good
- September 1994 (BBC World Service): Insomniac's Dream (single) Dead Dead Good
- 19 November 1994 (BFBS): Alive & Well (CD-Some Pop)' (Dead Dead Good)