Album Review

Manchester Orchestra – Shake It Out

• 7th Nov 2009

From the revving guitar kick and sparse jolting percussion that opens this honest single ‘Shake It Out’, through to Andy Hull’s worrisome vocals. This, at times, austere Atlanta five piece builds up strikingly to a paranoia unravelling blues rock chorus. That is both startling and strangely reassuring.

It’s the clarity of the reflective, low-key interludes which truly underlines the heart that is on display. It gives stark contrast to the explosion of emotion, as you feel this song being treated like a group therapy session. All you feel like doing at the end, is standing up, saying your name and exclaiming that you’re an alcoholic!