The debut album from MANMZEL, titled “On The Beat”, offers a diverse collection of tracks that reflect the band’s unique blend of musical influences. Featuring members from Haiti, St. Lucia, Israel, Italy, and the UK, the all-female group showcases a variety of styles ranging from Compas and Zouk to Pop, Rock, and R&B. As a listener with an open mind, here is a detailed breakdown of what this eclectic album has to offer.
1) INTRO
The album begins with a jazzy 10-second intro that subtly introduces the group with the line “Manmzel, a new female band.” It’s a brief but tasteful start that sets the tone for what’s to come.
2) ABANDONE
Originally released a year ago before being fully refined, “Abandone” has evolved into a catchy and commercial track. The final product is polished and well-executed, making it one of the standout songs on the album.
3) MELODIE DAMOU
This bouncy Compas love song is a personal favorite. With strong potential in both the Haitian and Antilles markets, it’s a track that could benefit from a music video to fully showcase its appeal. Anselma Fulgence (St. Lucia) delivers an excellent performance, making this track a must-listen.
4) KONPA ROCK
Mixing Rock and Kassav-style Zouk, “Konpa Rock” is a track that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Linn Demilta shines with her vocals, especially in the memorable line “What did you do to me,” paired with blazing guitar riffs.
5) LOVE I HAVE INSIDE
A departure from the Compas/Zouk style, this Pop/Alternative track is a nice addition for listeners who enjoy genre diversity. Its smooth and melodic structure makes it a pleasant listen.
6) PAKAPAB ANKO
“Pakapab Anko” is another upbeat track with commercial appeal, highlighted by the infectious “Cherry Cherry Strawberry” chant that’s sure to stick with you. Nayalie and Dana showcase their talents here, making it one of the more memorable songs on the album.
7) MIN PIMAN
With a playful twoubadou vibe, this track reflects the group’s origins and journey. While Nayalie isn’t the strongest lead vocalist, the song’s charm lies in its playful lyrics and storytelling, reminiscent of her uncle Toto Laraque.
8) KREYOL PARADISE
Released as the group’s first single, “Kreyol Paradise” is an interesting blend of styles, offering just enough spice to appeal to multiple audiences. Linn’s voice stands out, and the song’s sensual undertones make it a crowd favorite.
9) ON THE BEAT
A groovy “weekend party” track, “On The Beat” has a catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics. However, Nayalie’s lead vocals don’t quite carry the energy needed for this track, though the groove itself remains strong.
10) SE KONSA
“Se Konsa” is a strong Compas number, with Anselma leading the way and Nayalie adding a nice touch with her Creole rap/animation. It’s a solid track that fits well within the album’s overall flow.
11) LET’S ROLL
This non-Compas track composed by Dana (Israel) is one of the highlights. Dana’s vocals are reminiscent of Erykah Badu, adding a soulful depth to the track. Her talent in composing for film scores is evident, and this song stands out as one of the album’s best.
12) BAN’M LA RUE A
A festive carnival-style Compas track that brings high energy and captures the celebratory spirit of Haitian music. It’s fast-paced and fun, perfect for live performances.
13) CAMPUS
Though “Campus” may initially seem like a filler track, it carries a meaningful message about campus life, touching on themes like unwanted pregnancy and substance abuse. Its educational tone gives it substance beyond just the music.
14) ZEL SAPAT
A quirky and unexpected track, “Zel Sapat” might leave you scratching your head at first, but after a few listens, it grows on you. It has a catchy simplicity that sneaks up on you.
The Good:
“On The Beat” showcases MANMZEL’s potential as a versatile and culturally rich band. The grooves are commercial and danceable, with enough variety to appeal to a broad audience. With the right marketing and promotion—especially music videos for standout tracks—MANMZEL has the potential to break through in the industry. Comparatively, their debut album holds up better than T-Vice’s first release, which is a testament to the band’s bright future.
The Bad:
While the album has strong moments, the vocals need further refinement. Nayalie shines more in the rap/animation sections, but her lead vocals could use improvement. Linn and Anselma stand out as the stronger vocalists on the album, and the group should consider focusing more on their strengths moving forward.
Overall: “On The Beat” is a promising debut for MANMZEL, blending various genres and showcasing the unique talents of each member. With continued development and strategic promotion, the band is poised for success in the industry. Keep an eye on MANMZEL—they are ready to make waves.
