Reviews 19/9/07

Manic Street Preachers - Send Away the Tigers

Send Away the Tigers is the preachers 8th record and first since 2004's mesmerizing effort "Lifeblood". This album returns to the more rocking sounds of their earlier efforts, making quite the departure from the more experimental predecessor. This is also the first album since members James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire came from their own solo album releases which both came out last year.

The album begins with a roar in the title track, instantly hitting off with the signature Preachers guitar sound which we all know and love followed by a decent chorus and melody. This one is for the freaks, many i'm assuming can relate to this track entitled "Underdogs", Bradfield sounds as angry as ever here in this raucous earsplitting 3 minute track. The first single to be released off the album was "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough" featuring Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson, who adds a sweet touch to this catchy track. "Indian Summer" possibly my favourite off the album, starting off with fierce guitar picking leading into a pre-chorus of erupting synths.

Autumnsong is fitting as the second single to be released of SATT with it's uplifting intro, catchy chorus and synths appearing fluently in the background. The rest of the album pretty much continues in the same fashion with Bradfield in good form, providing rocking riffs and catchy choruses. Also stick around for their strong cover of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero" which seems to be quite popular to cover right now.

It seems the Preachers are still yet to make waves internationally, this being their 8th album. Similar english rock bands like Stereophonics seem to have stolen most of the spotlight in that respect. My only wish was in hope that they pursued the sounds of thier previous record. This album in comparison is a little less satisfying but still is another solid album from the Welsh boys, it may not be the work they are remembered for, even so, you won't tire of it anytime soon.


6.5/10

Sean B