The Manhattan Cartel Introduces Their First EP

The Manhattan Cartel http://www.themanhattancartel.com have just released their debut EP on December 13th, 2011. Vocalist Elinor Arwyn and guitarist Aaron Strand are described as a song-writing pair who rebel against auto-tuned club hits and coffee shop Indie pop, reviving the unabashed soul of traditional blues and take no prisoners heart of rock 'n' roll -- with modern wit.

Both have serious stage chops, having performed at notorious after-hours theatre The Box, renowned off-Broadway house La Mama, in a variety of artistic disciplines (music, dance, acting, costume design, stage tech). Still, they retain a sense of humor about themselves and the world around them that reflects a sensibility beyond their years.

An upcoming issue of New York fashion magazine, That's Alright Mamma, features the band and international trend-setting fashion blog, The Sartorialist recently gave the duo a coveted shout-out. Arwyn and Strand site their sound as directly influenced by Dolly Parton, Led Zeppelinand Lightnin Hopkins, and have already rubbed elbows with the likes of Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, Michael Stipe, Estelle, Mos Def, and Ja Rule.