Manchester Orchestra’s debut release I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child was an interesting character driven rock portrait, created by the mind of band leader Andy Hull. Although the album found little success, the band’s relentless touring schedule, finding them sharing the road with bands Brand New, Saves the Day, and even Kings of Leon, secured a fan base in wait of what could be next. What came next was a record on which the band turns up the volume, and pushes the guitar heavy rock sound prevalent in their live shows, onto the follow up Mean Everything to Nothing. As the heavier sound is welcomed and excuted well for most of the recording the switch from character driven lyrics to more personal accounts from the mind of Hull tend to detract from the music at times. A young man that has addressed issues lyrically, that most many years older haven’t in real life, struggling with the reality of now and his place in the world. A poet, prophet, or lyricist of any interest is yet to be seen in the future legacy of Hull.

Manchester Orchestra are definitely a band that will demand attention, for what I believe to be, years to come. The live show never disappoints, and Tuesday night @ Emo’s will be the stage to hear the band’s recent transition from opening act to headliner, from slightly unknowns to darlings of the magazines and blogs. And they’ll bring the rock.

Manchester Orchestra @ Emo’s outside w/Fun, Audrye Sessions, and Winston Audio

Show starts @ 8:30

MP3> Manchester Orchestra ‘I’ve Got  Friends’

This entry was posted on Monday, May 25th, 2009 at 11:44 am and is filed under mp3's, recommended.