Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything To Nothing
Record Label: Favorite Gentlemen
Release Date: April 21, 2009
When I first heard Manchester Orchestra in Summer of 2008, I wasn’t that impressed. They had a substantial amount of hype in the indie scene, but after checking out a few tracks I just couldn’t see it. It wasn’t until I bought their debut album I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child and listened to it all the way through that I started to understand why people were so hyped about the band.
The group has been a fan favorite in the indie scene since they released their debut album in 2006. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the group combines intricate and emotional instrumentals with the raw vocals from lead singer Andy Hull to recreate a sound that is somewhat reminiscent of bands like Nirvana and other grunge groups from the early to mid '90s, but modernized to include influences from bands such as Brand New and the Kings of Leon. Manchester Orchestra effectively blend these different sounds combining stunning melodies and the perfect balance of soft acoustics and hard rock to create something that is extremely appealing. In a scene littered with generic pop punk and emo bands (Brokencyde anyone?), Manchester Orchestra represent everything that is still right with Indie.
Although the band’s first album has been a favorite in the “scene” for a couple years now and the group has garnered much critical acclaim, they have yet to break into the mainstream. This can partially be attributed to the fact that, as talented as they are, their sound is somewhat inaccessible. Hull’s at times harsh vocals could be a turnoff for some, and the darker nature of many of their songs might cause people to write them off. However with the release of Mean Everything to Nothing, produced by Joe Chicarrelli (The Shins, My Morning Jacket) the group has taken a huge step in the right direction by creating an album that rarely slows down and showcases their ability to play good old-fashioned rock music. Their second album is much more accessible, as evidence by the first single. “I’ve Got Friends” has one of the catchiest hooks in recent modern rock, but at the same time is a complicated and beautifully orchestrated song. It has the ability to appeal to mainstream rock fans who haven’t yet been exposed to the band, but at the same time manages to maintain the intricacies and emotion that make the band a favorite among indie fans.
One area in which the band clearly outshines the competition is lyrics. Compared to the vast majority of modern rock lyricists, Hull is, quite simply, a genius. At the age of 22, Hull address themes that everyone can relate to. From failing relationships and struggling to find ones identity to questioning ones faith, Hull writes intelligently about issues that we all struggle with in our every day lives. In one of the few slower songs on the album, the acoustic ballad “ I Can Feel a Hot One”, Hull writes “ I could feel my heartbeat taking me down, and for the moment I would sleep alright. Invading with a selfish fear, to keep me up another restless night.” The lyrics throughout the album are powerful, heartfelt, and really allow the listener to connect with Hull.
One of the most important aspects of any album is replayability. To be able to listen to an album multiple times and find something new and meaningful each time is one of the signs of a truly great album. Mean Everything to Nothing is an album that grows better with every listen and rewards audiences for taking the time to sit down and listen to it from start to finish and truly appreciate what the band is trying to do.
In spite of the many things that this album does so well, it is not without its shortcomings. Perhaps my biggest complaint with the album is that in attempting to create a more accessible album, the band has abandoned some of the epic and emotional ballad style songs that they had become known for on their debut album. Whereas their previous album was a delicate balance of hard and soft, up and down, this album is more consistently upbeat, with a few slower songs thrown in. While its understandable why the band went in this direction, the lack of more epic songs is a bit disappointing. In addition, while Hull is clearly a talented vocalist and has improved greatly since the last release, the sound may still be a bit too harsh for some, and could still be considered inaccessible.
In the end, the positive aspects of this album outweigh the negatives by far, and anyone who considers themselves a fan of indie rock, or even just rock in general is truly missing out if they don’t give this album a spin. Perhaps the most impressive thing about this release is that they have created an album this sophisticated while still in their early 20s. This is only their second album, yet the level of maturity and musical talent makes them seem much older. The band is still young, growing, and trying to find their sound. The fact that they’ve achieved this much success so early on is truly impressive. Mean Everything To Nothing is not a perfect album, and it most likely will not be the one to catapult them into mainstream success. But this is in no way a bad thing. Death Cab for Cutie released their first album in 1997 and essentially remained a hidden Indie “gem” until 2005 with their major label debut “Plans.” With a rapidly growing fan base, overwhelmingly positive critical reception, and a reputation for putting on an amazing live show, Manchester Orchestra are poised to become one of the biggest bands in modern rock. It's just a matter of time.
Edit: Also, what indie scene are you talking about? They were revered by people who weren't really fans of indie, but not so much people that were from what I saw.
Such a disappointment. ILAVLAC completely rapes this album in every conceivable way. This isn't a terrible album but its not an amazing one either. The only great songs are I can Feel a Hot One, The River, and Shake it Out
Along with much weaker lyrics than ILAVLAC this paragraph sums up my main complaints with this album
I don't know why you're so disappointed with an album so good. Yes it did have its drawbacks but those drawbacks were only if you heard their previous album. But even if you have heard their previous album I don't know how you can be disappointed. Anyway each to their own. For me album of the year so far.
Because its fucking sucks ass compared to ILAVLAC or even their older material before that. I have listened to everything they have released including all their unreleased stuff and I know the potential and talent they possess. I really can't express in words how disappointed in this album. I gave it at least 10+ listens and it didn't grow on me like it should.
you should have learned to quit comparing bands albums a long time ago.
I don't see how you can't see The River and the title track as 'epic' songs. they are nothing but that in my eyes. there's a lot hidden within this record, the layering of the guitar and vocals (harmonies and such) on the first 2 tracks is amazing. though I will admit this album is extremely over-produced and they definitely lost that sense of raw energy from Virgin.
lol I'll stop because than I'll get points for spamming.
Good then, now that that's in the past.
I must say excellent review, though I do believe the so called "epic" songs are certainly present here. I mean "The River" is 11 minutes long, fairly epic closer.
I must say excellent review, though I do believe the so called "epic" songs are certainly present here. I mean "The River" is 11 minutes long, fairly epic closer.
but it's not really that long since a good bulk of that is hidden tracks. I'm not sure what is on the physical cd but the itunes version has 'the river' then 'jimmy whispers' then 'go'
'the river' is still about 6 minutes and plenty epic if you ask me. and while on the subject of those 2 extra tracks... fucking awesome, especially 'go'
Along with much weaker lyrics than ILAVLAC this paragraph sums up my main complaints with this album
Whilst I am enjoying this album, that's my main complaint. The album definitely lacks one or two of those slower, epic tracks. Sleeper 1972 was my favourite track from the first album.
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It is my opinion that they are pretty bad.
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