After boldly proclaiming that 2010’s ‘Postcards From A Young Man’ was “one last shot at mass communication”, the Manics of 2013 are in far more introspective mode.
After opening with the line “I don’t want my children to grow up like me” free of any accompaniment, the electric guitar is banished, while Cate Le Bon and Richard Hawley guest elsewhere.
The biting nostalgia of middle age runs throughout the lyrics and the band’s desire to produce something akin to ‘Automatic For The People’ is largely fulfilled.
‘(I Miss The) Tokyo Skyline’ is a particularly curious beast, sparse and subtle, demonstrative of a refreshed sonic palette.
8/10
Words: Gareth James
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