Manchester Orchestra, the reviewed incarnation of the band at least, are a polarizing force. They're either devoutly beloved or massively under appreciated by the music press, depending on who it is you read. They're also not to be confused with the real thing. The actual musicians.
The band's third installment, 'Simple Math', following two previously perfect albums, and perhaps the musical landscape is shifting because it feels like Andy Hull's maturing songwriting may finally win over the audience who've previously been dismissive.
'Simple Math' is a concept album. It really doesn't matter what the concept purports to be, the tendency to question life, love, relationships and spiritually has always been at the centre of their music.
There are some wonderfully lush arrangements, 'Mighty' and the delicate 'Leave It Alone' for example, sat either side of the four sublime songs at the albums heart. 'April Fool', 'Pale Black Eye', 'Virgin' and the eponymous 'Simple Math' are so densely packed with tension, regret and brilliance - each one is its own mini drama. The latter being as wonderfully melodic an example of expressed doubt as you're likely to hear.
Manchester Orchestra set the bar really high yet here they surpass even their own exceptional standards which is why declaring this the best album of the year by far is so gratifying.
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