Manual Scan

Manual Scan returns with, “Shooting Stars” (PAC 129), their first new studio work in more than three decades! Released by Pacific Records, the recordings find the band in fine form, turning in five short sharp bursts of melodic rock ‘n’ roll energy. Founded in 1981, Manual Scan still features the frontline of Bart Mendoza (vocals, guitar), Kevin Ring (guitar, vocals) and David Fleminger (keyboards), alongside the ace rhythm section of Tim Blankenship (bass) and Jarrod Lucas (drums). 

Manual Scan started up after the demise of La Jolla High School based group, The Pedestrians, at the beginning of 1981. The band quickly became a California clubland favorite, gigging throughout the state, performing with the likes of The Bangles, The Plimsouls, No Doubt, The Romantics, The Untouchables, The Godfathers, General Public and many others. 

Manual Scan released their first EP, Plan of Action, in 1982, ultimately releasing records in England, The U.S., Sweden and Spain, and showing up on the playlists of radio DJ’s around the world, from Rodney Bingenheimer (KROQ) to John Peel (BBC). In 1989 the band’s song “Nothing Can Be Everything” was included in the Sony Pictures crime drama, A Girl to Kill For, while the band has also toured frequently, with gigs at the 100 Club (London, England), Mabuhay Gardens (San Francisco), Purple Weekend (Leon, Spain) and Rancho Grande (Tijuana, Mexico) amongst the highlights.

The “Shooting Stars” EP’s five songs ably show off the band’s mod / powerpop roots and rock and roll spirit.