SONG OF THE DAY: September 3rd

Manchester Orchestra, “Wolves At Night”

We don’t normally delve too much into the “emo” genre here at Rhombus, but we’ll make an exception today. Yet it still doesn’t feel quite right to paint with such a wide brush, because Manchester Orchestra really aren’t a “emo” band at all in the traditional sense. Sure, frontman Andy Hull’s vocals certainly have that strained, nasally quality perfected by so many faceless and formulaic Fueled By Ramen bands, but the similarities pretty much end there.

Manchester Orchestra rock way harder (and more legitimately) than their more mainstream counterparts, making it the perfect music for getting angry (as opposed to acting angry to teach your “oppressive” parents a “lesson.”) Hull’s songs don’t dwell on whiny adolescent heartbreak, but instead focus on more mature discussions about God, faith and death that probe far deeper than your average Fall Out Boy record. To be certain, Manchester Orchestra isn’t for everybody and the vocals can prove to be a bit of an acquired taste. But if you like energetic rock’n'roll without all the pre-pubescent self-indulgence, give Hull and friends a spin. You may just like what you hear.

Listen to: Manchester Orchestra, “Wolves At Night”