Adrenaline Slip is the ambitious and progressive debut full-length from Textbook Maneuver, the solo project of Michael Keane. This is an artist and composer to watch, presenting interesting new music with each release. He creates music that takes listeners on an atmospheric journey, taking his classical piano training but transforming his composed themes into organic electronic music.

Songs are born from improvisational sessions, where melodic themes evolve alongside harmonic and rhythmic progressions. Each track, supported by narrative-driven song titles and artwork, tells a story. The result is a unique fusion of nostalgic prog and contemporary electronica, offering an immersive listening experience.  Current success includes 5 released tracks, and part of Life Science Records. 

The album’s apex is the four-part suite, known but untitled as Space Trip. Starting with “Tell Them I’m Not Here (Still in Outerspace)”, a trippy long-form chill out. The video has garnered 47K+ views. The album moves into “Spacewalks”, Michael’s personal favorite right now. The suite closes out with the two-punch, highly melodic and emotional “Re-Entry” and “Controlled Landing.” Michael says, “these songs were inspired by the nearly nine months our two NASA astronauts spent in space in 2024 into this year. For each part of the suite, I wanted the title and musical themes, timbre, tempo, and overall emotional effect to be my interpretation of what it might feel like to be suspended out there, doing what you love but also wishing you were home.” There is a self-described coda, “Murmur 3 Home” which wraps up the album. Two other “Murmurs” appear. “Yeah, these are meant to be kind of like segues as the album moves through themes but serve as stand alone songs. I have many other ‘murmurs’ composed, planning on having on all future albums.”

Well, onto the music; over an hour to get immersed in. This is a very ambitious endeavor, for a debut, mixed and mastered with headphone wearers or listeners with long drives in mind. Looking forward to everyone’s reaction and what the future may hold for this talented new artist. 

Tell Them I'm Not Here (Still in Outerspace)

Textbook Maneuver / Distance Major/ SCITK