The theme today seems to be 'talented souls', as here’s another artist for whom simply saying “he’s great”, or “what a voice” or “God, this guy can write songs can’t he”, just doesn’t get close enough to the actual level of talent. S.T. Manville – real name Sam Manville – is a gift to music, a chap who over the course of his life has challenged people’s musical tastes and pushed boundaries, delivering band after band, project after project of impeccable sonic experiences. From West Midlands superheroes Blakfish well over a decade ago, to the electronic hip-hop project FTSE and everything in between, everything that Sam touches, everything he creates, is remarkable.
As S.T. Manville, though, Sam seems to have arrived home somehow. The music is tender and powerful, with an authenticity that can only be achieved through pure emotional honesty.