Mark Manning / Karen Sandvoss

Beautiful Engines, established in 2002 from the remnants of defunct San Francisco power trio, Jimmyjack, features Mark Manning on bass and Karen Sandvoss (of Clevergirl and Pfiffin) on drums and voice.  Sandvoss' silky, sparse and sometimes rancorous vocals nurture the full cinematic mood brought by Manning's hypnotic bass leads and loops.

Inspired by bands like Built to Spill, Yo La Tengo and Pixies, Beautiful Engines have shared nights with greats like White Stripes and Sleater Kinney and are sited as a favorite band of Two Gallants.

"Beautiful Engines = Beautiful Music. These two have amazing chemistry on stage... they are so engaging. Karen's voice waxes and wanes and she kicks ass on the drums. Mark has lovely bass melodies that ebb and flow. They are loud and soft, light and dark".  ~ Anonymous Fan

A Turn on Small Street, Beautiful Engines debut album, is everything you get from their live performance and nothing else. Produced by Stev Ohanis and mastered by Myles Boisen, Beautiful Engines emerges minimal, pure, poignant, and of course... beautiful.

by Bob Williard