Review Summary: Hold me, the day I try to fly.
It’s hard to believe how far Manchester Orchestra have come in their near seven year lifespan. From the sincere and simple indie-rock of
I’m Like A Virgin, Losing a Child, to the grungier and in your face
Mean Everything To Nothing and finally the grandiose and polished effort
Simple Math, it’s safe to say this band thrives on progression. However those who have taken the time to revert to where it all began may have heard of their 2005 EP;
You Brainstorm, I Brainstorm But Brilliance Needs A Good Editor a record that is grossly overlooked and underrated.
The album consists of five catchy, humble and honest tracks from the Georgian outfit which, although are more reminiscent of their first full length,
Virgin, it's safe to say they march to the beat of their own drum. Fan favorite ‘I’d Rather Have’ begins in almost Death Cab For Cutie fashion but quickly switches pace and unveils some great Andy Hull poetry as he sings “I would rather have a broken heart than give up hope on you” before breaking, earnestly, into the lyric “we’ve got all the time, that we need” it is through and through a classic Manchester Orchestra song. However we see where Hull truly shines in the acoustic closer ‘Play It Again, Sam! You Don’t Have Any Feathers’, the albums clear standout. Hull gushes emotion and honesty throughout the entire song through lyrics such as “I know you’ve been abandoned, but don’t abandon, ship on me” whilst an enchanting banjo riff carries the simplicity of the song.
If you’ve ever listened to this EP and thought nothing of it, go back and try and hear it, even if it’s only the albums final track. You will have at least heard one of the best songs by the band and have some rad lyrics to post on your tumblr.
