At the center of every album is a musical thesis. This thesis can be the driving force behind the album, a theme that interweaves songs together, or a feeling you are left with after the last song plays. With some albums, the thesis is easy to find. On others, it is hidden and requires you to be more than a passive listener. These reviews are not about rating an album. Instead, it is about uncovering a musical thesis.  

 I imply to mitigate the guilt, we could align
A perfectly constructed alibi
To hush the violent guilt that eats and never dies
In actual blame, they call me once the dark divides

I do not mean to disrespect or belittle the music that dominates the charts. I am often too quick to dismiss many of these songs as overly simplistic and afraid of breaking new boundaries. I say this, but I know there is a form of escapism in them. For me, comfort over conflict will always be the aim, but I don’t consider myself the average listener.  

Digging through my collection, you might find me hypocritical. You would see that I too am guilty of loving songs that require much of me. But then you would land on a band such as Manchester Orchestra.  

Manchester Orchestra requires some work on behalf of their listeners, and their album, A Black Mile to the Surface, is a perfect example. This album is a solid collection of songs containing multitudes. Looking at a sample of lyrics from the song, “The Math,” above, you see a song that is wonderfully composed, beautifully written, reflective, and heartbreaking. This is an album filled with stories masquerading as songs where heroes and villains slowly reveal themselves. In each verse, you can find through lines to your own life. As you do, you will discover new challenges to wrestle in the deepest recesses of your mind.  

For me, this is the purpose of art. Good art entertains. Great art challenges. As I grow older, I find myself drawn to music, invoking a strong emotional reaction. I want to be surprised. I want to be shocked. I want to be challenged. I want to look at my own life through songs and realize I am not alone. At this point in the adventure, I need to know that my experiences are not unique, and there is someone out there who can relate. I need these things so much more than I need to escape.  

As they do with almost every album, Manchester Orchestra challenges me. They give me art that takes some time. The mysteries here do not reveal themselves quickly. I adore the invitation to stick around for a while.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan