| May 24, 2007


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Feature Article - 24, 2007

Mandown

by Robert Dale

Though the members of local band Mandown are only in their early 20s, they are unanimously regarded as seasoned veterans of rock in South Frontenac. The band exhibits a chameleonic tendency to change its name and has witnessed a battalion of young musicians pass through its ranks since its inception. However, this transitory nature is tempered by consistency of quality musicianship and performance, attributes that have won them an enthusiastic audience over the past several years.

Given this, one must wonder what caused Mandown’s recent hibernation.

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The band, consisting of Andrew Fazackerly on guitar, Tyler Lauzon on bass, and Andrew Phillips on drums, has every reason to build on its considerable promise. Touting a diverse range of ax-wielding maniacs as influences - they hold Rush, Led Zeppelin, Primus, The Darkness, Wolfmother, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Priestess in particularly high regard - Mandown has continually sought to channel the energy of its heroes in a live setting. In January, the band performed at the March of Dimes “Rock for Kids” concert in Kingston, a battle of the bands which prompted rapturous enthusiasm from the crowd; judges went so far as to offer them further gigs following their performance.

Despite this positive response, Mandown has been on hiatus for the past few months. This postponement is due to band members’ educational pursuits and the geographical inconveniences that accompany them; Fazackerly studies golf course management at Niagra College, Lauzon studies veterinary technology at St. Lawrence College, while Phillips studies new media production and animation at Loyalist College.

However, with the onset of summer, Mandown hopes to spring back into action. When asked what goals the band has for the immediate future, Phillips noted that they hoped to maintain a more consistent practice schedule in preparation for further live performances. Furthermore, the group is currently entertaining the possibility of recording a CD. Phillips reasons that it would probably adhere to the formula of the band’s live shows: 50% cover songs and 50% original material. With the progress being made towards the latter, the project is poised to become a reality. Both Fazackerly and Lauzon have written a wealth of new music, and the bevy of effects pedals and exotic instruments recently acquired by the band should lend an experimental hue to the material. Most recently, Fazackerly and Lauzon collaborated on a piece consisting of a simple descending chord progression played on the zither and the oud, a musical instrument of the Middle East and northern Africa belonging to the lute family; the composition’s provisional title is Giraffe Vendetta in E Minor.

Although the future looks bright for Mandown, the band displays an admirable modesty and an affection for self-deprecating humour. “We may not rock you like a hurricane,” jokes Lauzon, “but we will mambo you like a moderate gust of wind.” If you’re prepared to be moderately mamboed, then be sure to catch Mandown in concert this summer.

From left to right: Andrew Fazackerly, Tyler Lauzon, Andrew Phillips. The picture was taken at the March of Dimes "Rock for Kids" concert in January.

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