Everything Everything: Man Alive

    It's great to know that hidden among the past few years is still a wealth of quality albums that I have not yet heard. Everything Everything's August 2010 release, Man Alive, is nice mix of upbeat progressive rhythms, with post-punk undertones. I have a hard time classifying it as art rock, not because it is the wrong term, but because I just don't like how art rock is a way of describing more syncopated, rhythmically "difficult" music. I guess it comes off a bit snobbish is all. If I had to label art rock, I'd put it under the umbrella of Sigur Ròs or dredg, the latter of which in actuality is closer to Everything Everything than I give credit.
    Anyway, the four man group is based in Manchester, though not originally from there, and made some waves with this their debut release, shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize for Best Album. The band also received an Ivor Novello Award nomination for Best Album, which is given annually in London for composition and songwriting. Their songs are written by guitarists Alex Niven and Alex Robertshaw, who both also provide back up vocals [EDIT: see comment below]. In fact, there are a lot of vocals floating around on different songs, in harmony or as background, and the main singer employs falsetto mainly, à la Passion Pit.
    Highlights on the album include: the trumpet part and nice guitar licks in "Come Alive Diana"; the carefree and ethereal "Tin", which is just pleasant to listen to, sit back and dream along with; the opener for sure, "MY KZ, UR BF"; "Qwerty Finger", which is probably the most post-punk and maybe a bit power pop; continuing along in order, "Schoolin'" (yes that's an apostrophe, not a mistake in punctuation), which is funky and groovy; the synth electronica dance nature of "Final Form"; there's a great moment towards the end of "Photoshop Handsome", that just explodes with glee (NO nod to the TV show mind you); and the ending of the closer, "Weights", which seems like it implodes on itself or something. So, a lot to like about this album! Hopefully they have something on the near horizon.
    Listen to the full album on their MySpace, including the bonus track, "Hiawatha Doomed", here. For a quick taste, listen to "Qwerty Finger" over under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks', it reminds me of Tokyo Police Club, which is excellent! Enjoy!