Published in Rolling Stone magazine, March 2008 issue

Manchester Orchestra – I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child – Released through Sony BMG, July 2007

Brimming with quiet poetry, Manchester Orchestra’s first full-length release is a shining effort reflecting their ambition and influences. Having supported a diverse range of artists including Brand New, Kings of Leon and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, it’s no wonder the quintet’s sound is so varied. They have the makings of emo with their introspective-but-not-quite-angsty lyrics, post-rock with their bittersweet marriage of guitars and steady drums, pop-punk with their catchy choruses, indie with their timid lulls. Andy Hull’s vocals zoom from whispered afterthoughts to frustrated wails as his bandmates weave a blanket of perfectly in-sync sound underneath.

I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child is the kind of album that speaks to teenagers without neglecting the situations of older listeners. It sometimes feels formulaic, but never laboured; it may not be the most musically innovative record, but Manchester Orchestra certainly splash colour across a scattered canvas of life, love and loss.