The Manatees Return With Their New Single ‘Naturally’

Some things just come naturally to Southampton-based band The Manatees, and writing raucous hits is just one of them. 

The Manatees have been one of the South’s most promising indie rockers over the last couple of years, and after an eight-month-long sabbatical, they return with their latest single Naturally. Drawing stark similarities to fellow indie-rockers such as Catfish and The Bottlemen and Vistas, it’s clear to see where we’re headed in the trio’s upcoming chapter.

 

Naturally is the funkified younger sibling of Arctic Monkeys circa 2013. You know, the one that can’t be told what to do and has its own distinct voice and opinion? It boasts that same anthemic energy that The Manatees have had nailed since day dot but is a little bit tougher and rougher round the edges. Life isn’t always straight edged, and with Naturally, the trio are proving that they are not just one trick ponies. Earlier releases like Avoiding Glances pitted them within the poppier spectrum of indie. But with this release, they’re adopting those gritty rock elements synonymous with the genre during the early 2010s – the kind of sound that makes you want to pull on your fish nets, dig out your docs and rock out down the street. 

 

In the band’s first chapter together, they built a strong relationship with producer Tarek Musa. On this latest release, this partnership has continued to blossom. Musa has once again cast his production wizardry over The Manatees infectious sound, bringing that authentic indie feeling to the fore. 

 

Naturally actually explores the feeling of inadequacy that we’ve all experienced one too many times before, particularly so within the last couple of years, “This doesn’t come naturally to me, I know how unnatural this could be, so just give me the time that I need”, confesses frontman stroke vocalist Jay Harris. And yet somehow, the record boasts a swaggering confidence that brings the band crashing back into the beating heart upcoming indie. It’s this juxtaposing battle between concern and confidence is so captivating on this three-minute-fifteen-second release, leaving us already excited for what their next move is going to be. 

*This article was first published on Loop Magazine in February of 2022*