San Antonio power-pop act Manic Shuffle reunites after 30 years

Earlier than “alt-rock” turned an overused advertising and marketing time period, San Antonio’s Manic Shuffle performed songs that jangled, grooved and caught in native followers’ heads lengthy after final name.

Now, this Saturday, all 4 members of the storied native act will play collectively publicly for the primary time since 1994, taking the Lonesome Rose stage for a full-fledged reunion present. Outdated pal Mitch Webb and longtime followers the Please Assistance will spherical out the invoice.

Whereas Manic Shuffle seldom performed exterior the Alamo Metropolis throughout its early-’90s heyday, the band constructed a strong hometown following, typically packing in as many as three weekly gigs. Alongside the way in which, it bagged showcases at SXSW and slots on the La Semana Alegre pageant.

The quartet additionally launched a 12-inch EP and a full-length cassette. Tracks from each racked up airplay on radio stations KISS and KSYM.

“What made me need to do that reunion is I just lately placed on a few of our music, and it nonetheless sounds legit,” stated Manic Shuffle guitarist Ernest Hernandez, who presently handles six-string duties for King Pelican and the In & Outlaws. “The songs are nonetheless hitting in 2025.”

The tunes bear the affect of timeless power-pop stalwarts equivalent to Elvis Costello to R.E.M. thanks partly to vocalist Johnny Carrera’s heartfelt supply, strummed acoustic guitar and knack for accessible hooks. However the nimble interaction by drummer Andy Toth and bassist Henry Carrera — Johnny’s brother — and the tasteful-yet-assured guitar work by Ernest Hernandez put them in a territory all their very own.

Listening with contemporary ears, Manic Shuffle’s mix of earnest songcraft, seasoned musicianship and rootsy twang prefigures comparable materials that outfits such because the Gin Blossoms and Fastball would discover mainstream success with a number of years later.

“It’s infectious music,” Henry Carrera stated. “It’s vibrant, it’s hummable, and also you’d see folks dancing to it.”

Though Johnny Carrera served as Manic Shuffle’s chief songwriter, he credit the remainder of the band with respiratory life into materials he typically delivered to follow in uncooked kind. His brother and Toth had performed collectively since junior excessive — one thing evident of their tight interaction. In the meantime, Hernandez’s fretwork layered on pressure, dynamics and a contact of rock swagger.

“Each time I introduced a one thing in, I knew the band would flip it right into a Manic Shuffle track,” Johnny Carrera stated. “I bought goosebumps simply from listening to these guys play.”

Regardless of the bottom the band coated in a number of quick years, Manic Shuffle drifted aside round 1994, partly as a consequence of household obligations and Johnny Carrera’s work-related relocation to Austin. Declining attendance alongside the St. Mary’s Strip and overzealous enforcement of town’s noise ordinance additionally took their toll.

For the reason that band by no means bought an appropriately grand sendoff, the members stated they hope Saturday’s reunion brings a way of closure.

Does that imply Manic Shuffle is again on the gigging circuit?

Not going. All 4 members are nonetheless nonetheless busy with their very own lives, and Toth is now firmly rooted in Chicago.

Nonetheless, don’t rule out periodic performances if time and journey allow. Particularly as a result of the blokes in Manic Shuffle suppose SA audiences might need to hear extra.

“There are a whole lot of followers who keep in mind us nicely,” Henry Carrera stated.

$10, 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com.

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