Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

 
Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
Genre: Emo/Rock
Rating: 8/10

Manchester Orchestra are one of those bands whose reputation gets around by word of mouth. Whilst the band have started to see a slow growth in terms of popularity back in the states over here half the people you'd ask would actually assume you're talking about an Orchestra from Manchester not an emo/rock band from Atlanta Georgia. That being said it cannot be down to the bands work ethic which see's them not only follow up their 2009 release this year but also start a brand new project under the moniker Bad Books. For those who haven't heard the band yet the blueprint for their sound is fairly straight forward, imagine the poppy emo sensibilities of Jimmy Eat World mixed with the raw angsty rage of Brand New and you're more than halfway there.

The bands second official album Mean Everything To Nothing was a sumptuous record filled to the brim with heartfelt melodies and laments and purile adolescent rage. Many of the bands lyrical themes focused on alienation and uncertainty and much is the same here on Simple Math. The main difference is the way in which the emotions are conveyed. Whilst it's predecessor had an almost gritty, grungey feel to it, the new album feels a lot less claustrophobic and clean. Simple Math also sees the band experiment with string arrangements and choir sections to great success building some tracks into huge epics. The best example of this would be the dark brooding "Virgin" which see's the band accompanied by a choir and orchestra as the song slowly builds with a sense of impending doom and menace. Other highlights include the pitch perfect "Apprehension" which  spins around a beautifully simple guitar hook  and intimate keyboard sections. It's not all change however as most of the bands fundamental elements stay very much the same. The bands use of keyboards and guitars remains fairly simplistic throughout but this doesn't dull the record as it gives the album an open and personal feel. Hull's unmistakeable shakey vocals and his intelligent personal songwriting as ever adds depth to the whole experience.

Overall Simple Math does not disappoint. Whilst the band have not reinvented the wheel they have worked considerably on refining their strengths making Simple Math an impressive addition into an already established canon of work. Highly recommended.

Download: "Apprehension" "Simple Math"