Vinyl Vault - The Shambles - Original Tangent EP

Before The Shambles, there was Manual Scan, and before that, the omnipresent and irrepressible Bart Mendoza, who almost single-handedly cultivated and celebrated the West Coast mod scene. Bart was not just a musician but a curator and driving force, uniting North America’s mod enthusiasts and fostering a unique mod identity that thrived far beyond local boundaries.

This 1995 EP showcases everything Bart is known for, with its relentless energy and unmistakable style. Bart and Kevin’s vocal delivery floats above a wall of layered guitars, delivering melodies in a signature minor key, pentatonic style. The sound is quintessentially San Diego—immediately recognisable whether live or on record.

Bart’s Yamaha 6-string guitar (same colour as the blue vinyl disc!) is a defining element of their sound. I had the privilege of playing it myself when Squire performed in San Diego in 2008, and it was clear how integral that guitar was to shaping their distinctive powerpop sound. The Original Tangent EP is a true gem of the mid-'90s mod revival, blending authenticity, energy, and Bart Mendoza’s unmatched passion for the scene. A must-have for fans of West Coast mod culture!