When a band of 20-somethings announce they are releasing a ‘ concept album,’ the proper reaction is generally scepticism. Even Manchester Orchestra’ s loyal fans may have had their doubts. But the ‘ concept’ is not your usual fantasy bus ride through self-indulgent musicianland—it is the searching journey of a 23-year-old songwriter, as he struggles with God, marriage, and life’ s difficult questions.
‘ Simple Math’ is not an album for the faint of heart; there is a gravity and a weight to every song that reaches beyond the typical alt-rock formula. There were hints of this on the band’ s previous two albums—particularly “ I Can Feel a Hot One” from their sophomore release—but this new album seems to perfect the style. The topics tackled on the album range from the spiritual to the everyday, but always in a questioning, thoughtful manner. Maybe it’ s because I’ m 24 and gearing up for a quarter-life crisis, but I was drawn to the vibrant honesty of this admission of youth’ s doubts and discomfort, even when you’ re not quite young anymore.
The first release from ‘ Simple Math’ is the title track, a well-crafted and well-chosen single. If Manchester Orchestra had a recipe for creating this dramatic, forceful song, it would most likely be one part emotive vocals, one part stirring use of a strings ensemble, and two parts honest and skilful songwriting. Lead singer Andy Hull is also the primary songwriter for the band, and this song showcases his talents as a lyricist. True to the album’ s theme, the song is structured around hefty questions and doubts—a series of “ what if…” questions that build gradually into a forceful bridge climax. “ Simple Math” has all the power and intensity of a great Snow Patrol song, but without the ad nauseam radio airplay. The second single, “ April Fool,” is more upbeat and energetic, with the vocals of Motion City Soundtrack and the guitar chops of Biffy Clyro.
After cutting their teeth on tour with top acts like Kings of Leon and Biffy, the boys of Manchester Orchestra head out for a headlining tour through America this month. The album was released on May 10—but you can a;sp unlock and stream it now from the band’ s website by correctly solving a (debatably) simple math puzzle.
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Post written by Emily
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