Why Every Def Leppard Fan Needs To Hear Manraze | Lock, Stock & Barrel Review
Sometimes the most rewarding discoveries aren’t new albums – they’re bands that somehow slipped through the cracks first time around.
That is certainly the case with Manraze, the power trio featuring Phil Collen, Simon Laffy and Paul Cook.
With Cherry Red Records releasing the excellent Lock, Stock & Barrel (Complete Recordings 2008–2011) 5CD box set, this feels less like a retrospective and more like an opportunity for one of rock’s hidden gems to finally receive the audience it deserves.
Even more exciting? After recently speaking with Phil Collen for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, it’s clear this isn’t simply a nostalgic look backwards. Manraze could well have another chapter still to come.
A Band Born From Friendship… And Chance
One of the most fascinating parts of my recent interview with Phil Collen was hearing how Manraze came together.
Returning to London while his father was seriously ill, Phil found himself spending time with Simon Laffy. The pair began writing songs almost by accident, discovering a songwriting chemistry they hadn’t fully explored during their days together in Girl.
Looking for a drummer, Phil immediately thought of Paul Cook.
Then fate intervened.
As Phil told me:
“I came out of the hospital and there was Paul getting into a car… I asked if he’d fancy having a jam, and when we started playing there was an absolute magic to the three-piece thing.”
That chemistry became the foundation of Manraze.
Rather than trying to recreate Def Leppard, Girl or the Sex Pistols, the trio simply followed wherever the songs wanted to go.
The Freedom Of A Power Trio
One thing Phil spoke about passionately was the unique energy of a three-piece band.
Drawing inspiration from bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Police, Rush and Motörhead, Manraze embraced spontaneity.
As Phil explained during our conversation:
“With Def Leppard everything is structured. With Manraze, you could just go somewhere… and magic happens.”
That spirit runs throughout these recordings.
Surreal (2008): Raw Energy
The first album, Surreal, opens with an immediate blast of punk attitude.
There’s an infectious energy throughout the record, but what surprised me revisiting it was just how much reggae influence sits comfortably alongside the hard rock.
It never feels forced.
Instead, it sounds like three musicians enjoying complete creative freedom.
There are echoes of punk, blues and alternative rock, yet the album still feels cohesive.
Listening now, it’s remarkable how fresh it still sounds.
Punkfunkrootsrock (2011): The Band Finds Its Identity
If Surreal introduces the concept, then Punkfunkrootsrock perfects it.
It’s also one of the greatest album titles in recent rock history.
During our interview, Phil laughed when I mentioned it, explaining that the phrase came from Paul Cook and immediately summed up everything the band represented.
For me, this is the stronger of the two studio albums.
The songwriting feels more confident.
The production is fuller.
There are moments where you can hear Phil Collen’s melodic instincts shine through, but they’re presented in a much looser environment than Def Leppard.
The reggae influence remains, but overall the record leans further into powerful, melodic rock, complete with an enjoyable cover of Hendrix’s “Fire.”
More Than Just Two Albums
Cherry Red have done an excellent job compiling this set.
Alongside both studio albums you also get:
- Instrumental mixes
- Live recordings
- Acoustic performances
- Radio sessions
- Rare mixes
- Previously unreleased material
The collection genuinely feels complete rather than padded.
For fans interested in hearing how songs developed—or simply wanting more of the band—it offers plenty of rewarding listening.
This Isn’t The End…
Perhaps the biggest revelation from my interview with Phil Collen was that this box set isn’t intended as a farewell.
Far from it.
Phil confirmed that he and Simon Laffy are already discussing new songs and hopes are high that Manraze will return to the stage.
He even floated the idea of playing intimate club shows around London.
That makes Lock, Stock & Barrel feel less like an archive release and more like the beginning of a second life for the band.
If Manraze passed you by the first time around—as they largely did me—this box set is the perfect opportunity to discover what you’ve been missing.
It captures three exceptional musicians stepping away from the expectations of their day jobs and simply making the music they wanted to make.
With new music already being discussed, hopefully this collection finally gives Manraze the wider recognition they deserve.
