“Simplicity is the glory of expression.‰Û

Manchester Orchestra released their fourth full-length album, Cope, in April of this past year. It fell in line with the progression of the band into a louder, more rock-driven style that made itself prominent on their latter albums. HOPE is the stripped down acoustic version of that April album, composed of hauntingly beautiful piano sonatas, Andy Hull‰’s gruff vocals in a somber light, and gentle accompaniment of strings and trumpet. It takes the band‰’s sound back to its earlier albums, giving each song that honest and heartbreaking tone that was so admirable in their early works. Everyone knows that lyrics become poetry when paired with the right instrumentals, and therein lies the strength of the album. While Hull‰’s songwriting comes directly from his core, the words were more easily overlooked when paired with a blasting drum beat and heavy riffs. No such distractions exist in HOPE, allowing listener to immerse themselves in the sheer feeling each song conveys. I assure you, to surround yourself in the depths of Hull‰’s voice outpouring his broken dreams delicately matched with a distantly morose trumpet and a paired piano countermelody; it‰’s enough to make a grown man weep. But you don‰’t weep, I hope.

RIYL: Bad Books, Kevin Devine, All Get Out
Recommended: 1, 2, 6, 7