POKE Ignites Your Minds and Ears with Seminal New Album Release “Manipulator”
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Set to the backdrop of dark, ethereal soundscapes laced with a lush section of surging guitar phrases and crashing snare drums; as well as accompanied by an incredibly poignant lyricism and dynamic collection of vocal performances is the 7-track gem of an album titled “Manipulator” by Poke, released last Friday, April 22.
Poke is a musical project formed in 2017 that is the brainchild of music producer and sound engineer Armando Doval, who is also founding member of the band phoenix/NEBULIN. Poke released a self-titled debut EP that same year followed by a second effort named “Infected” and is now back to inject a dose of the signature cutting-edge rock sound into “Manipulator”, the third studio release.
From a musical and sonic perspective, the seven tracks comprising “Manipulator” embrace the core rock elements while also incorporating a masterful blend of synth and industrial rock. The soundscapes overall project a dark mystique that is gritty while the underlying synth melodies and ambient instrumentation provide the cinematic overtones that are gripping and draw you into each song. The aural energy associated with it is undeniable!
The compelling nature and sound design of the production on “Manipulator” by in no means overshadows what I find to be extremely thought-provoking lyrical content. As you immerse yourself in the album you will find it is a cleverly laid out commentary on today’s society and the personal characteristics of those who comprise it, including regular citizens, romantic relationships, government, corporations…. some of these aspects are overtly laid out and others you have to read between the lines of the lyrics to grasp the concept that each song is conveying.
The tracks on the album seem to touch on the contradictory nature of society, the pull of good and evil forces so to speak and how we need to operate in a defiant, “wise-to-the-game” manner. “Manipulator” is chock full of memorable lines that innately provide you food for thought. Below are some lines that particularly stuck out to me:
“Sinner”: “You’re burning inside out, you’re longing to be devout, you’ll pay for consequences, come back for some repentance, while finding your way out“
“Killer”: “We’ve been on the decline, and you’ve been crossing the line, I want to tear out your spine, you’ll never take what’s mine.“
“Manipulator”: “You’ve been reading my thoughts, my mind, this is your world, I know I won’t survive, you’ve been keeping me down so long, why won’t you set me free eternally”
“Abuser”: “You don’t have any control left over me, I’ve turned off the switch, pulled off the blindfold, cut the wire…”
As noted above, the dynamic vocal performances on the album go a long away in bringing just these few examples of profound lyrics into context and painting a vivid mental picture as you listen. They contain a vocal expressiveness that doesn’t come off as contrived, but rather project an appealing genuineness and also display an acute showmanship when you factor in the seamlessly placed vocal inflections, shifts in timbre, pitch and cadence to properly convey the content of the lyrics.
The “Manipulator” album is a tremendous listening experience and is available on all streaming platforms (Spotify and Apple Music links below). Stream it on repeat and save the songs to your Favorites Library! Share it on your social media feeds and stories as well. Enjoy!
Also below, you can check out the official music video for the title track off the album, “Manipulator”; visually compelling and a “must-see” piece. To stay in the loop with Poke’s music endeavors, you can connect via the social media and website links placed below.
Stream the “Manipulator” Album on Spotify or Apple Music
Manipulator
Listen to Manipulator on Spotify. Poke · Album · 2022 · 7 songs.
Manipulator by Poke
Listen to Manipulator by Poke on Apple Music. Stream songs including “Conspirator”, “Manipulator” and more.
Watch the Official Music Video for “Manipulator” Album on YouTube
POKE – Manipulator (Official Music Video)
POKE – Manipulator (Official Music Video)Get the Album Manipulator. Available on all music streaming platforms.Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/album…
Connect with Poke
- Website: https://www.pokeofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poke.music.official
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCIY1HeDWRc3X49p_OQ1HnLQ
More About Poke
Poke is a musical project started in 2017 by Music Producer and Sound Engineer Armando Doval, founding member of the band phoenix/NEBULIN
Poke released their first self-titled EP in 2017, primarily a record infused with melodic synth lines and grungy guitars with Gothic undertones. This release set the premise for what Poke’s music would sound like and evolve from. The second album “Infected” brought a more focused and cohesive Industrial Synth Rock approach to their production style. The new album “Manipulator” will follow the others as a cinematic anthemic synth rock record.
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