British indie band Everything Everything’s debut album was released on August 30th 2010 and peaked at 17 on the UK charts. The album, ‘Man Alive’, was nominated for an Ivor Novello award and received above average reviews from most critics but we still believe that this album is far too underrated. 9/10.
1. My Kz, Ur Bf
A quick keyboard riff holds the verse together whilst lyrics about “your boyfriend” are proclaimed during the chorus over an impeccable bass line. Great start to the album.
2. Qwerty Finger
Fast paced clapping and a quick drum beat start this song which is soon followed by intertwining keyboard and guitar riffs. The chorus comes about and drummer, Michael Spearman, clearly shows off his talent.
3. Schoolin’
A more laid-back tune with an interesting drum line and a simple yet effective chorus. The track moves into the bridge which boasts a quick guitar riff but still maintains the laid-back feel.
4. Leave The Engine Room
Enigmatic keyboards start off this track and the abstract vocals of Jonathan Higgs are soon introduced. The only negative is that the modesty of this song can easily be mistaken for lack of sophistication or ideas.
5. Final Form
The latest single from the quartet boasts effective simplicity with cool guitar riffs over simple bass lines and relaxed vocals during the verse. The chorus shows a bit more complexity and rhythm but is still quite relaxed.
6. Photoshop Handsome
A drum line similar to that of a marching band introduces the song which asks “airbrush, what have you done with my father?” but begins with “I will gain an extra life when I got the high score”. It seems the band aimlessly or even accidentally wrote the lyrics for this song, however, who’s to say that aimless writing doesn’t make an incredible track because it seems to have worked for them.
7. Two For Nero
Possibly the best track on the album starts with an unsuspecting harpsichord which is soon followed by a beautiful vocal melody. A clever drum line then falls into place whilst soulful vocals round off the serene atmosphere created.
8. Suffragette Suffragette
The proclaimed lyrics “who’s gonna sit on your fence when I’m gone” precede a surprising rock inspired instrumental and the song fades out with a choral arrangement of the same lyrics.
9. Come Alive Diana
Although Everything Everything are a very unique band this song seems like the obvious choice; even for them. The verse definitely has the uniqueness we are used to from them but the pop element in the chorus of this song definitely lets the tune down.
10. NASA Is On Your Side
The song is introduced by a piano, R&B inspired melodies and an unusual drum beat. Ominous guitar sounds loom in the background but do not overshadow the tune with a dark mood but hint at a more sinister feel.
11. Tin (Manhole)
Another favourite on the album. The song is so straightforward that it can’t go wrong! Features such as weaving of vocal melodies and obscure strings enter the basic riff set at the beginning and create a peaceful yet rhythmic mood.
12. Weights
Choral melodies are carried throughout the song which do become a bit monotonous but the uplifting ending of this song is one of the most incredible ends to an album I have heard in a long time!
