Manchester Orchestra -I'm Like A Virgin LosingA Child

Mon 25th Feb, 2008 in Music Reviews

What’s in a name? Well if you’re in a band like Manchester Orchestra then not much, as this group is not, as the name suggests, from that famous English city now receiving increased interest thanks to the renewed fervour in the post-punk group, Joy Division ( who later transmogrified into New Order ) Nor is this act English or orchestral, as they are a quintet from Atlanta, Georgia, who have just released their sophomore album, I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child.

The release consists of eleven songs that seem to crawl and drag on despite the release being a total of 45 minutes in duration, something that may in part be attributable to overly simplistic lyrics that are frequently repeated. Plus, after a few songs Andy Hull’s voice irritates me to the point that with the continued exposure I begin to hate it. Never is this more apparent than during the ballads I Can Feel Your Pain, Sleeper 1972 and Don’t Let Them See You Cry, where Hull decides that the way to convey meaning to the listener is to whisper the lyrics. This indicates to me that either the lyrics are so poor they have to be masked or that the composer himself is unsure and needs further convincing of their apparent worth. Added to this mix are many religious references whose continued presence will make anyone want to renounce their faith.

The opening track, Wolves At Night has an interesting introduction with some cascading, intergalactic sounds reminding me of Mercy Arms’ Shot Right Down. Meanwhile, The Neighborhood Is Bleeding is a song I can imagine Kisschasy performing, making me think that given the Australian group’s commercial appeal, this band will probably be the next big thing, much to my chagrin.

In sum, this release reminds me of echolalia captured on record as the lyrics are repetitive and are combined with music that is neither inspired nor innovative. Instead the release is a new batch of derivative rock, something the lowest common denominator are bound to enjoy.