Reviews...

"The Dave Mann Collective's debut album pursues warmth through understatement. The Perth-based trio craft root-rich pop that borrows from country, soul and reggae to arrive somewhere around Xavier Rudd sans didgeridoo. On "Butter", Mann's slide guitar and the patter of mandolin turn bucolic restraint into subdued attraction, while "Alysha Sky" recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone", bearing the same emotional bruising. DMC find splendour in their reservation, fashioning hippie lullabies and whisky-soaked love songs that are as pleasant as they are searing with intensity." Sydney Morning Herald Erik Jensen.




“I was sent an advance unmastered version of many of these tracks a full year ago. I couldn't stop playing it. And the same goes for the final version. These were my thoughts then about some of the songs and they still ring true. "Who you are (Not you've got). Uplifting message and a good analogy for the album as a whole, which is what you see is what you get. "Extraordinary". Reggae anyone? Don't let this one fool you, it's into a monster chorus on the forty-five second mark, totally blowing away any thoughts of chairman Marley. "Endless Page". This is a beautiful song no other way to say it. Exquisite Dobro. "Surrender". This is my favourite production number. The combination of "kettle" drums, Hammond, bass and acoustic guitar is magic. "The Child Within". Half time country whisper with soul. Perfect drums from Brent Whitworth. "Don't take it personally". Another down tempo hit. "What I Did". A great lead line. Expert poetry on this one, the words bounce off each other. Roy Martinez's bass line is pure mastery. Like a good wine these tracks just get better with time, this deserves to do as best as it can!” Groove Magazine. Sylvester Fox.


Endless Page is the perfect late night album, best listened to with a glass of red wine in hand – a recently broken heart is optional. This soulful collection of blues tinged ballads from up-and-coming local band Dave Mann Collective is a winner from start to finish. From the reggae tinged Extraordinary, through to the alt-country stylings of The Child Within. Like the music of the John Butler Trio (also from WA) and surfer-come-folk singer, Jack Johnson, Endless Page reinvigorates and rewrites blues, roots and folk music for modern audiences.” Vita Magazine. 


“This is a piece of summer groove that emits a charm from the speakers instantly. In the tradition of some of the more traditional Australian songwriters, Dave Mann puts a swing and a swagger into this recording. At times there is a certain Pete Murray attitude in the lightness and colours on the album, and it has the new sound of roots/folk about it. Hailing from Perth, Mann has definite crossover content to his album even though this is a pretty simple recording without much studio effects.


The big opener is pretty indicative of Mann's muse. "Who Are You" is uplifting loose and joyous to listen to. "Butter" is at the opposite end of the spectrum with a basic banjo and snare sound and the whole thing feels very rural without any country twang, thank God.


The acoustic backing of the band suits the acoustic lounge vibe that's so popular in Sydney now. Jordie Kilbey's roots programme has played some of these tracks and you get a real feel for Dave Mann's live set as the songs sound as if they have been played by the band straight to tape in the studio. "Through The Eyes Of Another" is a perfect example of the up beat "live" vibe on Endless Page.


Don't expect any amazing chord changes or over wrought lyrics, Mann sings from the heart and from the frets on his acoustic guitar just feeling happy the band is grooving in time. The additional instrumentation of Hammond and slide is great in helping lift the album from its brief doldrums. "Closing Time" hints at more depth. The title track is one of the better moments almost imitating Beck in the verses. It's well worth a listen even though the band isn't doing anything particularly new or clever. Dave Mann no doubt will hit a venue near you and could quite easily become very popular. Mention should be made of the simple yet endearing artwork that makes this one a keeper.” Drum Media.