Dean Manning's wistful performance drives it home on the Official Video of "Casino Town"

Dean Manning's wistful track Casino Town from the album "Sunday Mountain" feels open and vulnerable riding on trancy vibes, a beautiful guitar hook and spartan percussion but it is Manning's vocal performance full of sadness and longing that steals the show. As a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist he seems to have an exquisite sense of not overselling and knowing that less can be more and the emotional weight on Casino Town told with evocative lyrics that cast imagery in your head is formidable. 

The Official Video featuring Manning in a convertible with a host of characters with for the most part stoic faces is cool and interesting. The aloneness of the song with seemingly strangers so close feels like a weird counter position and some of the friendly glances between Manning and the participants is charming and moving. 

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Robb Donker


THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

SYDNEY — May 28, 2019 — Dean Manning is getting set to release his latest single, “Casino Town,” on Friday, June 21. The release will include a sharp music video directed by Manning himself. “Casino Town” is the second single from Dean’s forthcoming album, Sunday Mountain. Dean is joined on the record by multi-instrumentalist Justin Stanley (Prince, Beck) and drummer Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint, Kurt Vile). The full album will be available in August on vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming services via Dean’s label, Cloudy But Fine. The lead single, “Be My Friend,” was released on May 17 with an official premiere in The Music.

Dean Manning is a Sydney-born, Athens, Greece-based musician and visual artist. He is well known for his music as a member of Holidays On Ice (with Frente’s Angie Hart) and Leonardo’s Bride, winning awards and reaching number four on the Australian singles chart with the latter group. Sunday Mountain is Dean’s second solo album.