Manchester Orchestra’s ‘A Black Mile to the Surface’

Trent Brown
Jul 30, 2017 · 2 min read

8.5/10

In their 5th release (6th if you count HOPE), Alternative Indie rock band Manchester Orchestra takes a step towards maturity with ‘A Black Mile to the Surface.’


Album art from @ManchesterOrch on Twitter

Coming off of 2014’s angry and angsty ‘Cope’, this album feels more lighthearted and narrative based. Songs like The Maze and The Parts are seeming testaments to frontman Andy Hull’s wife and the recent birth of his first child, while keeping the cryptic and complex songwriting of former albums with songs such as The Alien and The Wolf.

Trent’s Pick

The Parts

I have a strong opinion that almost every indie rock album should include at least one acoustic song that grips you by the tear ducts and makes you feel alive again. Well, this is the one and it might be the best I’ve ever heard.

The Parts takes you on a journey through the relationship of Andy and his wife, beginning when they had just began dating

“I’d be a page in your book if you let me”

and transitions into his wife giving birth 13 years later

“Give it thirteen years
Both your legs up, you’re crying
Trying to push a life out from your belly”

Not to mention the transition in the chorus from

“I wanted to know each part
Want to know each part of you”

to

“Yeah I still want to know each part
Want to know each part of you”

It is a beautiful memoir of love and an unforgettable song.

Enjoy.

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