Manchester Orchestra- Simple Math ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkkeHpzs0lI

On the band's latest album, Manchester Orchestra seems to lose of a lot of the passion and rock 'n' roll momentum that have made their last two LPs pretty decent. They've exchanged this for some relatively heavier production and string arrangements. In my opinion, it wasn't that great of a trade.

Though all of these arrangements lend Simple Math a finer, more dynamic feel, many of the songs here feel drowned out in their wish to cloak themselves in different sounds. Sometimes that sound is a booming guitar, and sometimes it's a horn.

It's nice to hear these guys incorporating more textures into their repertoire on this LP, but it's at the sacrifice of some decent indie rock songwriting. "Deer" and "Pensacola" come off as two of the most earnest songs here. Much of what I'm listening to here feels too overblown for me to really enjoy thoroughly.

But, that's just my opinion.

What do you think of this album? Love it? Hate it? Why? What should I review next, eh?

4/10

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FAV TRACKS: PENSACOLA, SIMPLE MATH, DEER

Category:

Music

Tags:

• manchester orchestra
• simple math
• album review
• music reviews
• the needle drop
• april fool
• pale black eye
• virgin

[Hungwongdong]

Anthony,

I would like to tell you how much I enjoy your reviews. You help me find new stuff I enjoy. You to an extent, effect my daily life. Thank you,

[aukes57]

I hate to be that guy, but I would expect someone who claims to be a "music nerd" to have appreciation for an album like Simple Math. You are the only reviewer giving it less than an 80% positive rating, I know it is only your opinion, but to find a band putting out honest material and sticking to their guns, like Manchester Orchestra, these days is hard to come across. Pure, honest music, how could you not like it...

[joemcbobinite]

PLEASE do a album review or reviews of "The Dear Hunter's" ACT's albums or their Color Spectrum stuff...pleaseeeeeee

[twiggcrayon]

Wow, completely disagree. This entire album is pure, unpredictable and just beautiful.

[cliqueatnightvandal]

I'm like a virgin is one of my favorite albums ever... the rest kinda make me sad.

[SirRichieSan]

I freaking love this album.

[musicismyfavorite777]

@xTheFBP Bro, I LOVE Republic of Wolves. Varuna is a brilliant album,

[xTheFBP]

@musicismyfavorite777 I've got La Dispute debut album and I have a couple Modest Mouse albums. I'll check out the others, thanks! Have you heard Republic of Wolves? They have 2 EPs and one album that are all really good. Check out His Old Brances EP!

[musicismyfavorite777]

@xTheFBP Dude, That Brand New album is one of my favorites of all time. Check out The Dear Hunter, La Dispute, Portugal The Man, Modest Mouse, Cage The Elephant... You should really like some of those bands.

[strangebirdsir]

I think people get too carried away when he reviews a band that they love. I love Manchester Orchestra. I think they're amazing Live. But, I don't think this was the album they expected it to be. I feel a bit let down by this album.

Personally i like the older material more. But that is all opinion. Love the band still. But, I think this is them taking the next step (like brand new did) into that more "radioheadish" type music. I don't know. I hope they prove me wrong.

[xTheFBP]

Manchester Orchestra are one of my favourite bands.

I'm only starting to get into Rock (I pretty much only listened to hip-hop until recently).

Anyone know any similar bands I might like? I absolutely love Brand New's The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, so anything similar to them.

[musicismyfavorite777]

Insanely amazing album. I'm surprised by your review but I guess that's just your opinion. I wouldn't say it's my favorite attempt by the band, but they're definitely one of my favorite bands. You say that they've taken what's nice about indie rock and changed it, but that leaves the question that they were never indie rock to begin with. They're more alternative/progressive in my opinion.