With Nothing, Manchester Orchestra have created what will ineveitably be regarded as one of the landmark releases of 2009, and more noticeable they've exceeded the hype that's surrounded them for nearly three years. [May 2009, p.109]
The young band has learned a great secret: It’s possible to make a massive, commercial, go-for-the-gusto Rock Record while still holding on to dark idiosyncrasies and seriousness of purpose.
The unabashed emotion in their all-out approach will surely appeal to fans of raw yet sentimental Southern rock, Weezer and Modest Mouse followers, and angst-ridden teens.
Thir second album is suitably heavy on post-adolescent angst but, for all frontman Andy Hull's best efforts, singularly lacking it's own voice. [Jun 2009, p.134]
Adam Hull really shows his maturity with M.O.'s followup to "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child." I would normally hesitate to use the term,Adam Hull really shows his maturity with M.O.'s followup to "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child." I would normally hesitate to use the term, but I can't think of a more appropriate word than masterpiece. It is an infrequent occurrence for anyone in the music industry, especially today, to develop a thematic album, both musically and lyrically, but Andy Hull and his talented band mates have assembled just such a work with "You Mean Everything to Nothing."
Despite being only 21 at the start of recording, Hull managed to assemble a list of one meaningful song after the last. When most kids his age are happy making efforts in music, or lyrics, Hull shows the acumen of song writing like that of a veteran twice his age. Not only is he able to show a range of musical moods, but he weaves in an remarkable self-awareness and ability to express his feeling in song.
But this has all been done before. We've seen this, in rare cases. Somehow M.O. weaves the themes of humbling self-doubt and an expression of intense love for his wife, throughout this offering. I don't know how anyone can listen to the song, "Everything to Nothing," and not feel that this isn't one of the great love songs.
The musical theme starts at the beginning of "The Only One" and is picked up on many of the tracks. I haven't heard a commitment to theme like this on any album, since Pink Floyd's "The Wall." I won't loop through the album track for track. I feel that this album should be taken in in its entirety. Like "The Wall" I find it strangely troubling to hear one of the tracks independent of the rest.
No matter the power of the songwriting, it is only as strong as the band. Lucky for Hull, he has surrounded himself with talent. Hull is a great guitarist in his own right, but Robert McDowell does a great job working the leads; allowing Hull to stretch his voice. But, I see the band's instrumental signature sound coming from keyboardist Chris Freeman who injects an extremely heavy sound to an otherwise melodic band.
Keep in mind that I'm a 48 year old man. I usually have little interest in anything that a 21 year old has to say or play, but I see this band as a force majeure of modern music. I hope that as these kids grow and develop (hard to consider after hearing this album) we are going to hear even better music, more meaningful lyrics. I, for one, couldn't be more impressed with Manchester Orchestra.…Expand
This album shows that Manchester Orchestra is not just a one-hit wonder. This album goes from simple rock, to soft ballads, and hits hard rockThis album shows that Manchester Orchestra is not just a one-hit wonder. This album goes from simple rock, to soft ballads, and hits hard rock and goes out with a bang. Easily one of the best albums of 2009, this film flies to great heights in the alternative genre and also goes above and beyond the hype from their first album.…Expand
To me, this comes incredibly close to topping their brilliant debut, "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child". From the growling, almost To me, this comes incredibly close to topping their brilliant debut, "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child". From the growling, almost grunge-like rock out of "Pride" to the soft, touching harmonies on "I Can Feel A Hot One", this album hits the same heady heights of their first LP. I'm still mystified, however, why Pitchfork's marks seem to carry such a heavy weighting on MetaC. I actually think they hate everything.…Expand
Make no mistake: Manchester Orchestra are going to be a hit and miss band for many folks, and in my personal opinion, this album might not beMake no mistake: Manchester Orchestra are going to be a hit and miss band for many folks, and in my personal opinion, this album might not be the best starting point. A few tracks are just bland in sound and the lyrics are not always the best. When Manchester Orchestra shine, however, they shine as bright as the sun. Tracks such as "I've Got Friends" and "Everything to Nothing" bring out some of the bands best and rockiest, and songs such as these overpower the weaker tracks. A mixed bag, but filled with more delicious candy than horseradish.…Expand
The album gives a lot of fun to listen and has some really great moments. However it has to many weak spots for me to call it overallyThe album gives a lot of fun to listen and has some really great moments. However it has to many weak spots for me to call it overally awesome, but it is good enough.…Expand
Manchester Orchestra epitomise generic indie rock music. It all feels a little bit put on. Lyrically, it's not too bad, but there just doesn'tManchester Orchestra epitomise generic indie rock music. It all feels a little bit put on. Lyrically, it's not too bad, but there just doesn't seem to be anything special about this rock piece that would otherwise hold a listener's attention, certainly not on this album.…Collapse
