Yeah I can't help but take the comparison too literally since I own records from both those bands. But spot-on with ManOrch. Couldn't put my finger on it.
That was me that said Soundgarden and Metallica. That's exactly what I hear. I definitely do not hear Manchester Orchestra at all, but I never really enjoyed Cope all that much.
well idk what enjoying cope has to do with it, it definitely still sounds like one of those sturdy heavy alt rock riffs that fill that album front to back
That was the big problem with creating the term "grunge". As far as most people were concerned, it only applied to 4 bands, all of whom sounded radically different. Soundgarden's woozily dark Zeppelin and psych-rock fixations have very little in common with Nirvana's dark mirror Beatles-filtered-through-Pixies sound or Alice in Chains' druggy, de-tuned sludge. It's led to a really broad dismissal of bands where I always suspect people might not know that much about what they sound like. #ramblingrant
As someone who grew up in Seattle and used to be obsessed with grunge, I actually totally agree. The bands had SOME common sonic motifs, but were arguably more different than similar.
I just finished my first listen of Futures... wow. Needless to say, I am currently on my second listen of Futures. This is incredible. I've been digging into their discography recently. I liked Bleed American quite a bit, but Futures seems to have a much larger presence and more cohesive feel. Excited to work my way up to Integrity Blues.
It is indeed, Down on the Upside is my poison though. As a fan of Soundgarden and ManOrch though, I think that riff is more Soundgarden. It's a compliment, I really dig it. Long shot: If there's any Porcupine Tree fans in here (lol), it definitely reminds of some of their heavier stuff.
"It’s this tightrope act between pensive, longing reflection on the past and relentless optimism for the future that I pondered as I drove north on I-287 through the rain, with no clear destination in mind, and the dashboard clock winding towards midnight." Aw man, this hit me in the local feels. Aimless late night drives around central Jersey are some of the biggest and best memories I have with this band. @Craig Ismaili
Love the review. Makes me want to listen again. This is one of those albums that truly feels like a soundtrack to my life right now. This past year I have moved across the country, switched careers, lost the faith I've held for twenty years, and pursued the longest relationship of my life. There's many things I question, a few things I regret, and a lot of things I still have to change. I dunno, I just feel like this album gets me. I like your interpretation of "Pass the Baby." I was kind of leaning toward police brutality, but your thoughts totally make sense as well.
This is an outstanding review. Balancing the personal with thoughtful analysis in the best possible way. Great, great stuff.
Finally dove in... I'm on "Pretty Grids" and so far I'm really digging the more atmospheric feel from them.