I have been a huge fan of these guys since I first head them a few years ago. They’re debut I’m like a Virgin Losing a Child was a tremendous album and threatened more mature bands with its strong songwriting. On the newest release from these kids, who are now finally in their twenties, it feels ok to label them the saviors of rock and roll. With a sound that harkens back to the grunge days of the early nineties, they made the album that Kurt Cobain always wanted to make.
The album starts off with a fun bouncy song titled “The Only One” which is driven by a lively drum beat, a tight rhythmic guitar riff and deft soulful vocals. This is a really great lead into the depravity which lurks around the corner. “Shake It Out” sounds like its sung by a sad angry kid who is begging to be heard by anyone. This song fully establishes the Manchester Orchestra signature sound. With a quiet beginning which turns into pure rage and then back to calm but only momentarily before they spit the fury back at you.
One thing is for certain — these guys write great hooks. “I’ve Got Friends” is accessible to the mainstream, but still has enough grit to hold its credibility with the indie crowds. There is a killer piano riff in the chorus that makes this song special. It’s a small part but it makes the whole song come together. The attention to every detail and the way this song is structured is genius.
Some of the other standout songs are “I Can Feel a Hot One” which is a slow mournful lament. “My Friend Marcus” about a friend who you don’t quite understand until you get to know them and love them for who they are and what makes them who they are. “Everything to Nothing” a well crafted anthem, I love the way it builds, I love the guitar, I love the lyrics, its an awesome song.
Every song on this album is great and unique. They all work together to make a cohesive album but they also work as entities of their own. Some bands say lets take the well worn path and make a song which sounds like some hit song, but not Manchester Orchestra. They write memorable songs which follow the road not taken. They explore music with both arrogance and innocence and it is so good.
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