Send Away The Tigers

Editorial Review

You always have to feel for the Manics. They have never been less than earnest, always try to make a point, persistently aim a political slant, but never quite made it as consummate rock-stars. Whether it's because they never quite looked comfortable in that role, or if their critics will never let them forget the ghost of Richie, it hardly matters. Nobody could have filled his space, and they've been longer without that founding member than with him, but you always wonder if they would have grown an extra dimension if returned to a four-piece. They certainly make enough noise as just three, however is this CD the sound of protest drying up?

Once again, they have turned out a very assertive set, and the rocking title track start is particularly solid. Sean Moore's drumming rarely disappoints, and he turns out a veritable machine gun of beats which back up a classic track. The same measured rawness on "Underdogs", which has terrific immediacy but probably won't be fitting in the "Everything Must Go" category in another decade. Fifteen years into a career, that's hardly surprising.

The surprise – and very welcome one too – is the inclusion of Nina Persson on "Your Love Is Not Enough". The terrific singer from The Cardigans lends a completely different feel to the track – it's just a shame the song itself is so dreary. Repetitive, and lyrically tired, they can do so much better. But to let another voice into their usually closed ranks is invigorating. Don't expect an album of collaborations next time (if indeed there is a next time), but the concept here gets the thumbs up at least.

They do have a knack of making lolloping rhythms that are melodically easy whilst lyrically pointed, and so what was "A Design For Life" many years ago, is "Indian Summer" here. Not the same song but it shares a similar style and potency. The problem with layering so much political / societal comment in your songs is that it can become too burdensome. "The Second Great Depression" is a wall-of-sound of an anthem, but there's something vaguely contrived about a title like that – however unintentional it is.

They throw the kitchen sink at "Rendition", and as a 3 minute rip-roaring collage of everything Manic (even with small "m"), it's perfect. "Autumnsong" is one of the easier flowing, poppiest tracks they've done. Riffs with monster hooks, and an ability to sing along with gusto and without conscience. "I'm Just A Patsy" has a welcome simplicity, lacking any hidden message - in total contrast to "Imperial Body Bags" which is an anti-war rant "driven by hypocrisy" as JDB yells.

And the world will listen – like it or not. It is all part of who they are, and the role of sonic agitators that they have assumed. "Winterlovers" compares the leafless trees with the stripped industry of their heartland, and of course it's valid, but we've heard it before. There's a little more work to be done on the lyrics dept too: "Winter is as winter was / I look this way just because" really only deserves a can-do-better / C+ grade.

That both Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield have done good solo albums since the last Manics outing needn't show a loosening of collective spirit, but it has suggested that the band as a threesome is not set in stone. Perhaps it's time – before the protesting soul gets too weary, or the needle gets stuck. But their spirit has never been broken.

Neil Chase
Music Editor
May 2007

Additional Info

• Recording: STEREO
• Format: Single Case

Tracklisting