The Atlanta quintet’s third effort begins with the creep and whisper of ‘Deer’ – a deliciously self-deprecating and heart-felt confessional curveball of a tune (“Dear everybody that has paid to see my band / It’s still confusing / I’ll never understand”). If you wondered if MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA could still pull it off three albums in, consider your knuckles well and truly rapped. Sure, ‘Simple Math’ is the most mature sounding of the band’s three releases to date but it can still pack a punch when it needs to. The guttural Brand New-esque groove of ‘Mighty’ makes it sound like ‘Pride’ from the previous effort after it’s had its comparatively weedy arse sent to boot camp to toughen up and – towards the end of the album – the climax of ‘Leave It Alone’ is a foot-stomping hundred-weight which no doubt will result in many a pumping fist come festival season.
A sterling return from Andy Hull and Co.
CHRIS SHIPMAN