Not sure if anybody finds this bit of trivia even remotely interesting, but this is a second attempt for the Manchester based quartet to release “Mannequin” as a single. The first version came out on April 24th 2020, and The Red Stains were a completely different entity back then. Funny coincidence, that is our second attempt at reviewing the song as well. So, if you are ever on the set of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and the big question is when the famous Red Stains re-released their groundbreaking single, be sure to say it is 18th of August 2023 and you will walk away being a very rich person. You can thank us later, generous cheques/online payments for the tip are gracefully accepted.
Single cover and make up by Natalie Emslie, modelling by Grace Allport
Official bio: Cooking up a plastic fantastic disco-punk sound from a collage of musical influences, Manchester four-piece The Red Stains embrace the kitsch and the tacky as a power to disrupt the male-dominated music industry. Their sharp and sarcastic lyrics hold a mirror up to domestic everyday life: consumerism, mental illness, public transport, discount supermarkets and being queer.Forming the Red Stains’ distinctive ready-meal-punk sound are four ingredients: Natalie Emslie’s fiery and powerful vocals hang over a backdrop of Sterling Kelly’s gritty, throbbing bass, and newly added into the mix are Robyn Elliott’s drum beats that demand your attention and Grace Allport’s cosmic guitar that shapeshifts through pedals to create the familiar ‘Red Stains’ chaos. Turn your microwaves up, turn the volume up, turn the hoover on and get ready to dance your socks off.
The Red Stains are always a joy to write about. In July, we reviewed their last single “Fluid” and we were very happy to hear that the band decided to give “Mannequin” a second chance. It always has been an amazing track, just the first time around, a rough production stopped it from being properly appreciated.
Bad mixing/mastering is now a thing of the past. Everything is perfectly executed, the sound is even and loud, it doesn’t suddenly spike up as before, or come crashing down to a bare whisper. The vocals are crisp, guitars and drums are no longer melting into one big wall of noise. You can easily and clearly distinguish each instrument. And the tempo was finally fixed too – right now the listeners will be able to enjoy the track in all its glory. Simon Ding Archer (The Fall, PJ Harvey, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry) re-recorded it and produced it to the highest standards at 6DB Studios in Salford. He did a stellar job, believe me.
Band picture by Abi Black
The new incarnation of “Mannequin” is absolutely brilliant. Two minute and 51 seconds of an unaltered, passionate and energetic punk rock, with melodic screamo vocals from lead singer, Natalie Emslie. The Red Stains have made a massive impression on many heavy weights from the music industry such as Tom Robinson, Dave Haslam and Tim Burgess for a very good reason – they are raw, wild, talented and beautiful, in the purest, artful way. The four girls are so cool that had they been formed in the 70’s, they would have been a household name alongside Blondie and FuzzBox. It’s such a shame that Viviane Westwood is no longer with us, she would have loved their fashion sense, immaculate yet edgy make-up (Natalie is an award winning make up artist!) and imaginative clothes. I mean, go and see the band if you have a chance, the girls play like devils, shout, jump, roll on the floor and they still look so wonderful and stylish like they just walked off a catwalk.
Lyrically, the track addresses the themes of objectification and the societal pressure that is forcing women to become silent and obedient. “From the moment you are born, you are taught to be quiet, be pretty, stand still, sit straight, into adulthood where the patriarchy bases your worth on your body, sex appeal with the idea that men can take and get whatever they want from then move onto the next like a flesh conveyer belt” – writes the band in their press release. “With this track, we’re here to make one thing clear. We’re not toys, dolls, dummies or mannequins that you can box up and tie a ribbon around!”
Band picture by Abi Black
Please pay attention to this quartet. They are proving that Manchester is indeed a city of music and the music that matters today is not made by The Stone Roses or Oasis. The music is made by young girls who will no longer tolerate lack of respect and sexism.
You don’t believe that the future is female? There is a bin, you can hop into. And close the door please, we don’t want any 20th century patriarchy creeping out into the new millenium.
Au revoir.
Please follow The Red Stains on socials:
https://theredstains.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/theredstains
https://www.instagram.com/theredstains
https://www.tiktok.com/@theredstains
https://theredstains.bandcamp.com
https://twitter.com/theredstains
https://www.youtube.com/@theredstains6133
https://soundcloud.com/theredstains
“Mannequin” is out now independently.
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 