Manchester Orchestra are not from Manchester. They are not even from UK. They are not even orchestra. Manchester Orchestra are Americans from Atlanta and they are playing indie rock. This introduction is the safest for everyone who never heard any of the music they created since 2004, when they were formed. A Black Mile To The Surface is their sixth album released few months ago.
During the last year, multi-instrumentalist Chris Freemen left the band and now Manchester Orchestra has only one original member - Andy Hull. Freeman's departure didn't change the sonic vision of the band: indie rock sprinkled with folk. If I was to draw comparisons between them and other acts, I would find similarities with Band Of Horses, but also with much commercial bands such as Coldplay from the beginning of their career due to the atmosphere in the songs and seldomly big choruses.
After easy intro with The Maze (which resembles Band Of Horses one hundred percent) comes the best track on the album, The Gold, which will be a favorite to anyone who swears in Fleet Foxes. These melodies sequences galvanize fluidity on the record lacking more tunes such as Lead, SD that breaks the general rhythm a little bit. Lead, SD is darker, apocalyptic number in which Andy has experimented with lyrics. It is an obvious standout.
When I've heard The Alien, I thought my player is messed up and that it took me to Travis album. The Wolf is an emotionally charged song that will seduce all the romantic souls (There was you and me, and nothing in between).
If they didn't obtain commercial success by now, I highly doubt A Black Mile To The Surface will serve as their breakthrough, although it is a solid album with head and tail. Now it could be said that they miss a hit single to attract audience, but I kind of appreciate musicians who are not desperate for attention. If they are happy and that goads them to keep making good music, I am happy too.
