Album Review: "Portrait" by The Maneken – A Groovy, Synthy Ride
Alright, let’s talk about Portrait, the 2014 gem from Ukrainian band The Maneken. If you’re into electronic beats with a side of funk and soul, this one's got your name all over it. Released under Moon Records, this album is like that friend who shows up at a party and somehow makes everyone groove without even trying too hard. The producers, Evgeny Filatov (you might know him as The Maneken himself) and mastering wizard Vlad Kramer, put together something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
First off, let me just say—this thing has vibes. Like, serious vibes. It jumps between synth-pop, electro-funk, house, and even some chill moments that feel straight out of an ‘80s movie soundtrack. Tracks like “Love Ride” and “Magic of the Moment” are instant earworms, but I’ll get to those in a sec.
Standout Tracks That Stick
Okay, so there’s this track called “Love Ride.” Oh man, it’s smooth. Imagine cruising down a neon-lit highway in a retro convertible while sipping on something fizzy. That’s what listening to this song feels like. The bassline is funky enough to make you nod your head, but not so in-your-face that it drowns everything else out. And the vocals? Super catchy, kinda dreamy—like they don’t take themselves too seriously. You can tell these guys were having fun when they made it.
Then there’s “Magic of the Moment” (or “Magic Of The Moment,” since they included two versions). This one’s more upbeat and feels like the perfect playlist filler for when you’re getting ready to go out—or maybe when you’re stuck in traffic and need something to keep your mood lifted. There’s this little synth riff that pops up every now and then, and honestly, it’s the kind of detail that makes you hit repeat just to hear it again.
Other Notes Worth Mentioning
The album also features songs like “Ghost Town Frowns,” which adds a darker, almost cinematic vibe to the mix, and “Stop,” which feels like a cool-down session after all the high-energy bangers. Plus, shoutout to “Safe Connection (feat. Open Kids)” for adding a playful twist with its featured vocals. Honestly, the whole thing flows really well, even though it covers a ton of different styles.
One quirky thing I noticed? They included multiple versions of certain tracks, like “Обратный Билет” (“Obratnyy Bylet”) and “Fast’n’Slow.” At first, I thought it was weird, but after a few listens, it started making sense—it’s like they wanted to give listeners options depending on their mood. Smart move if you ask me.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, Portrait isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s fun, it’s eclectic, and it reminds you that music doesn’t always need to follow strict rules to work. What I love most is how it blends genres without feeling forced. It’s like The Maneken said, “Hey, we’ve got all these ideas—let’s throw them together and see what happens.” Spoiler alert: good things happened.
And here’s the random thought I couldn’t shake: If this album were a person, it’d probably wear sunglasses indoors and own at least three vintage leather jackets. Just saying.
Check it out if you haven’t already—you won’t regret it. Unless you hate dancing. In which case…why are you even reading this?
