Funky Electroacoustic Folk
On December 6 2013 Sonic Delusion (Andre Manella) releases his solo album “Open Your Eyes”. His “funky electroacoustic folk” is an upbeat concoction of folk, pop, funk and Latin, blended and layered with expertise on his well-worn loop pedal. Andre incorporates triggered electronic drum sounds with the acoustic beats of his cajon, and an array of guitar effects.
This year Sonic Delusion completed an epic tour of 70 venues on his 9-month debut album release tour of New Zealand, culminating in a final performance at the Taranaki Arts Festival. Andre used his Swiss army knife attitude to convert an ex-school bus into the family’s house/tour bus so this father of 2 could keep his loved ones close. Alongside concerts at iconic NZ venues, Andre auctioned gigs played from the roof of the bright green 11-metre bus, reasoning: “The best parties are always at somebody’s place so that’s where I want to play.” (The Press, Mar 1, 2013).
His debut album, + OR -, was “a solid debut that will certainly leave listeners intrigued and wanting more.” (NZ Musician, Oct/Nov 2012), but this album has Andre flying solo. The new songs were sparked by the spontaneity and improvisation inherent in his live performances. For Andre, sculpting music live takes proficiency and guts but when the song takes flight its atmospheric joy is undeniable.
The Swiss-Kiwi troubadour has now parked his house bus in Taranaki, where he recently opened for Trinity Roots, Tama Waipara and Fly My Pretties, but he will be back on the road with his “Open Your Eyes” tour in summer.
Sonic Delusion (Trio) heightens the contrasts and escalates the dynamics of Sonic Delusion’s funky electroacoustic folk.
French import Severin Thiebaut adds his Latin-flavoured keys and funky bass.
The token Kiwi, Missie Moffat, uses her vocal prowess and percussive finesse to add vocal and rhythmic harmonies.
