Former Jellyfish/Imperial Drag keyboardist Roger Manning embarked on a dual life as a solo artist during the 2000s: his eponymous power-pop persona and the more electronic-oriented moniker Malibu. This release under his given name is cut from a similar cloth as his wider known collective projects. For instance, opener "The Quickening" introduces progressively synthesized symphonics into his usual glammy gallop. But there's plenty of AM radio balladry to be had on CATNIP as well, showing off Manning's impressive baroque vocals and theatrical sense of humor. DYNAMITE doesn't often explode out of your speakers, but it does provide ear-to-ear-grinning pop just as nature--and the 1970s--intended.