Don’t let Mandi Perkins’ relaxed style of tank tops and low-slung corduroys deceive you. She isn’t another cute singer/songwriter strumming her guitar for the entertainment of coffeehouse regulars. She is a rocker chick with music of substance not to be used as background fluff for latte lovers. Her flowing blonde hair and Joss Stone looks probably have people staring at her before she even opens her mouth. Yet when she does begin singing, the Canadian born musician belts out vocals reminiscent of powerhouse Natalie Merchant. Perkins’ Berkeley education honed her songwriting skills, which is evident in the EP’s title track “Broken Window Pane”. Perkins’ standout single “Why” starts off slow and pretty, then takes off into a crescendo of questions as it rocks out. Her sound is a bit Avril Lavigne mixed with the depth of Evanescence. She moved to Los Angeles to make her music happen, and she can be seen playing at venues like the Roxy and The Viper Room. She is a self-made talent who has developed her own words, sound, and vibe. “Fallen Under” is an angry rant about being trapped in a controlling relationship. In the song she is defiant against being suppressed – fitting for a woman whose independence shines through her strong voice. And people are taking notice, her music has been licensed for use on MTV shows Road Rules, and “Why” is currently being played on radio stations around the country. Perkins’ promises a full-length album in the beginning of 2007. To hear Perkins’ for yourself, check out her myspace page or her website at mankiperkins.com.