My Re-Generation

Local mods Manual Scan regrouped as part of the Che Underground’s annual reunions show at a packed Casbah. As Cherry Red records are about to reissue their back catalogue in Europe, it's a timely reminder of how many classic songs Manual Scan wrote.

Fronted by the dapper Bart Mendoza, who looked as if he'd just ridden his scooter off the set of Quadrophenia, they kicked straight into their anthem “American Way.”

They grinded through “Plan of Action,” “Jungle Beat,” and “She Said It's Late” in Biff! Bang! Pow! succession. With Kinks-like riffs, courtesy of Kevin Donaker-Ring, the band built a bridge between ’60s rhythm and blues and ’70s power pop. A special mention must go to drummer Morgan Young who was locked in throughout the 14-song set.

Covers of songs by the Pretty Things and the Easybeats left Manual Scan hearing cries of “More!” ringing in their ears, and they gave it. For the encore, the Pentrators’ Chris Sullivan (bass) and Chris Davies (guitar) joined Manual Scan onstage for a blistering set of Penetrators classics “Sensitive Boy,” “Untamed Youth,” “Revolution Now,” and “Walk the Beat.”

• Concert: Manual Scan w/ special guests
• Show date: January 30
• Venue: Casbah
• Seats: standing