Mean Everything to Nothing

Ever have that album you hear and it becomes your summer playlist. It isn't because it is upbeat or catchy, though this album is both these, it is because you find yourself liking the music and the vibe you feel from the record. Such is the case with Mean Everything to Nothing, the sophomore album by Manchester Orchestra. I'm not entirely sure if it is the gritty guitar, the hummable melodies, or the amazing vocal power, but this album sticks with you.

Manchester Orchestra hails from good old Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 2005, the band has taken the indie scene by storm. They have toured with Thrice and have preformed at the esteemed Lollapalooza festival multiple times.

They are the kings of indie music right now for all the right reasons. Their music is both complex and accessible with its intricate chords and it's bluesy sound. Their singer, Andy Hull, has a raspy, thick voice that not only complements the instrumental tracks, it adds a whole new layer to the songs. The indie feel to this whole album makes it a great listen through out. Though the album does have its low points there are some obvious amazing points.

The first track I will mention is "Tony the Tiger." The main melody in this song will get stuck in your head and you will find yourself humming it a week later not knowing. Hull's vocals are both contained and eerie in the first half of the song. It is the second half that will catch a listener's ear. Adding a choir behind the main vocal line to give it almost a victory parade feel. Think about those parts in movies where the hero realizes he has won. The music that is playing in the back ground, the second half of this song is what i hear in that moment. Through out the whole song the drums hold everything together, providing a forward push that keeps the song moving on to victory.

Second on the list is "The Only One." This song opens the record and will instantly drag someone in by the ear drums. Sounding like the music you might hear as you walk into a barn bash, this song is one of the most upbeat on the record. The song feels so bluesy you might expect to be in New Orleans when you hear it, that's a good thing. The entire thing feels like a confession and you find yourself understanding and relating to the storyteller. And just when you think the song is going to continue into oblivion it stops.

The third song on this list picks up exactly where the last one left off. "Shake It Out" picks up the ball as soon as "The Only One" sets it down and goes the distance and then some. This song is meat and potatoes gritty, bluesy music. The song has this entire intense feeling to it, culminating in an open guitar solo during which Hull's chops shine bright. The song dies down almost out of no where and just rests and grooves. Dying down to just Hull's voice and some light guitar, the song slowly builds back into the frenzy it was at.

Fourth on the list is the smoothest song on the record, "I Can Feel a Hot One." This song shows the bands strengths in a whole different light. Soft and melodic, the song is a ballad of sorts that pulls at heartstrings as bows run over cello strings. The entire song is light on drums and the guitar only plays a light chord progression accompanied by strings and piano. The vocals in this song carry it forward, but not in a showy way. The entire song is a soft escape from the noise, but in the escape the listener's soul gets exposed and you find yourself being reflective about, well, everything.

This record has so much more to show than what I have mentioned. There is a reason to love every song on it. I was expecting Hull's voice to wear on me, but I have listen through the entire record multiple times and I find myself loving his voice. You really should go buy this album, if only for the bluesy feel that makes driving more bearable.

Always Listening,

Nick