Singer and guitar player Andy Hull’s beloved alt-rock outfit has a history with continually switching gears but on Manchester Orchestra’s fifth studio full-length, the group substitutes its signature cut-and-dry instrumentation for an opulent vision. Hull’s vocals glimmer during the acapella moments of “The Gold,” balanced by folky harmonization and delicately plucked guitar riffs, and howl on tracks like “The Mistake” and “The Moth.” The album’s distillation of acoustic balladry, sonic atmosphere, and post-hardcore strumming is bolstered by the nearly 12-minute combination of “The Alien” segueing into “The Sunshine,” and finally concluding its lush vision with “The Grocery.” It’s a dramatic album steeped in imagination, sure to reveal all new layers of depth with each listen. (Label: Loma Vista Recordings)
— Kristy Guilbault
The following record stores carry local albums or can easily source them for you. When you purchase them, let them know how much you appreciate their support for local bands!
- Criminal Records (L5P)
- Decatur CD & Vinyl (Decatur)
- Fantasy Land Records (Buckhead)
- Wax'n'Facts (L5P)
- Wuxtry Records (Decatur)
Buy it here: themanchesterorchestra.com
Items Under $50