[rating=3.00]
Atlanta, Georgia’a Manchester Orchestra is lead by singer songwriter Andy Hull. He is young, emotive, and goes for epically grandiose vibes. Ever since releasing records entitled I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child and Everything into Nothing the band has staked a claim as sensitively extravagant rockers. With the more mutedly titled, Simple Math, Hull has concocted a collection of simultaneously bombastic and intimate songs tracking the dissolution and reconstruction of his marriage and his life. Hull’s voice carries intensity and an affecting delivery nestled in the realm of a Jim James/Ben Bridwell hybrid. Primal screams and yearning laments come fast and furious occasionally coming across as pretentious. Some lyrics smack of high school hysteria,” I don’t care, so gouge my eyes. I’ll spend the rest of my life blind”. Nonetheless he sings them set to a gorgeous melody.
Leadoff track “Dirt” is one of the quietest and strongest on the record. “April Fool” sounds like an exorcism by way of the swampy, grungy guitars and massive wall of sound that color the record. Using loud, quiet, loud dynamics on nearly every song the band creates their most resonant playing inside the quieter parts when rhythmic guitar slashes jolt and spray spirals of polished fuzz ranging wildly across a song. A children’s choir accompanies the band on “Virgin”, while a lurching groove anchors the steady build. Unfortunately, the “epic” moment doesn’t quite materialize and feels a bit more bloated than necessary.
The chorus to title track “Simple Math” is a heart tugger as synth strings echo the best warmth synth strings can. There is an emotional upsurge throughout the album, a spectacle that challenges the listener to decide where they stand on Hull’s believability. Wailing at the sky with desperation Manchester Orchestra is screaming for all the pained indie rockers afraid to do so. At least he is going for it.
