Iโve always been intrigued by the Manic Street Preachers, Iโm not entirely sure why but Iโve always been drawn to their aesthetics even though Iโve never given them a true proper listen โ that is until now.ย Resistance Is Futile is an album both as hopeful and defiant as it is cynical. In one breath they make sweeping hyperbolic statements about how bad times are and the general decline of society, while in another breath they speak about hope and fighting against the rising tides. Itโs a dichotomy that serves to drive home the meaning of the titleย and artwork of the album. Resistance may be futile but theyโre one of the last warriors still fighting to their last breath. Itโs solid raucous rock with a touch of punk spirit that gets the blood flowing and has you ready to stand up and fight. Itโs time a gave their full discography a proper listen.
I'm not saying The Decemberists come off as gimmicky or overtly "hipster" but I have no problem imagining many of the songs here being played at a local renaissance fair or in the soundtrack to one of Wes Anderson's latest movies, and not in an ironic way either. But for as much as I found myself eye rolling, I found myself singing along, which in itself is the ultimate goal of music isn't it.
Although Boarding House Reach is probably Jack White's most experimental project yet, there's heavy influences from blues, country, and most surprisingly funk, with entire songs dedicated to said genres, he still keeps that sincere approach to his music. All in all,ย it was an unexpectedly experimental album that's a mixed bag of good and bad, but the good largely outweighs the bad.
David Byrne has always been pleasantly weird and experimental and he once again tries to push the musical envelope. What results from that sincere push is at best, a mess however. It's a mash up of different sounds and influences that, when it works, can be refreshing and exhilarating, but those moments are far too often undercut by clunky breakdowns and unnecessary introductions of new elements.
โAre we living in the past?
Where thereโs nothing left to fear
Wonโt you say that you love me?
Tell me what I want to hear
A cold war for the mindโ
Have you heardย Resistance Is Futile? Whatโd you think about it? How does this compare to their past projects? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions for the album.
Manic Street Preachers โ Resistance Is Futile Reaction
Conclusion
In the Manic Street Preachers' latest, resistance may be futile but they're one of the last warriors still fighting to their last breath. It's solid raucous rock with a touch of punk spirit that gets the blood flowing and has you ready to stand up and fight.
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