Man/Woman/Chainsaw's debut album, 'Cannonball', is a galvanizing fusion of genres, a testament to the band's ability to blend the familiar with the avant-garde. The album's opening track, 'Only Girl', sets the tone with a burst of energy, a fusion of shoegazey guitars and ascending violins, creating a vibrant, yet introspective atmosphere. This is a band that understands the power of melody, and their dedication to pure pop is evident throughout the album. The lead vocals shared by guitarist Billy Ward, keys player Emmie-Mae Avery, and bassist Vera Leppänen, along with the thrilling contributions of violinist Clio Starwood, the earth-scorching guitar of Billy Doyle, and Lola Cherry's purposeful rhythms, create a dynamic and captivating sound. The album's ability to balance the weird and the wonderful is a testament to the band's musical prowess and their willingness to experiment without sacrificing the song's integrity. The track 'Canyons' is a standout, with its honey-drenched vocal ballad intro, reminiscent of Adele or Alicia Keys, but with a twist. The song soon descends into a jarring strings-assisted grunge assault, akin to old-school dEUS, loaded with grit and intensity. The band's ability to seamlessly blend genres is a testament to their musical intelligence and their willingness to push boundaries. The album's title track, 'Cannonball', is a 6 Music-dominating bonafide banger, a strutting mash-up of the cinematic tension of early Arcade Fire, bolstered by the pre-coming-up magic of LCD Soundsystem and the nerdy dancefloor clarion call of Los Campesinos. The song is a surefire festival sing-along, a perfect blend of energy and melody. The album's diversity is further showcased in tracks like 'Godddamn, Lizard Man!', an assured modern update of Nick Cave's 'Red Right Hand', and 'Flick Of The Wrist', a hell-bound tango that showcases the band's ability to create atmospheric and intense moments. The album's experimental nature is evident in tracks like 'Get Up And Dance' and 'The Thing', which showcase the band's willingness to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of traditional rock. The album's closer, 'Something Else To Give', is a trip-hop exorcism that showcases the band's ability to create a sense of closure and resolution, while still pushing the boundaries of their sound. Overall, 'Cannonball' is a remarkable debut album, a testament to the band's musical prowess and their willingness to experiment and push boundaries. The album is a surefire Mercury Prize nominee and a must-listen for anyone who appreciates innovative and dynamic music. In my opinion, Man/Woman/Chainsaw has created an album that is both accessible and challenging, a perfect blend of the familiar and the avant-garde. The band's ability to seamlessly blend genres and create a cohesive and captivating sound is a testament to their musical intelligence and their willingness to take risks. The album is a refreshing and exciting addition to the music landscape, and I can't wait to see what the band does next.
