Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Although the cover looks like a sixties-era photograph and makes you feel kind of like you're rummaging through your father’s oldie-but-goodies collection, this is an interesting little CD that you should definitely pick up. Why? Well I only played the I Can Barely Breathe track a hundred times and still... I am breathless! “If you knew I was dying would it change you?” “If you knew I was dying would it change you?” And yes, Manchester Orchestra, I think it would. A dramatic build, to a screaming next verse - a lovely high drifting to a slow guitar rift, leaving the listener anxiously anticipating and waiting for the next profoundly writ poesy.

Together the Manchester Orchestra make up Andy Hull (vocals, guitar), Jonathan Corley (bass), Jeremiah Edmond (drums), Chris Freeman (vocals, keyboards), and Robert McDowell. What is surprising is that this quintet based out of Georgia has an average age of about 19 yet has a mature and traveled sound.

If you like bands like Brand New and Death Cab for Cutie than you will love Manchester Orchestra’s debut I’m like a Virgin Losing a Child. Some of the other tracks on this album include Wolves at Night, Now that You’re Home, I Can Feel Your Pain, and Golden ticket - a brilliant little combination of emotionally charged songs ready to soothe and relax an anxious and overly stressed day. Manchester Orchestra is a perfect, soothing album that is absolutely ready to blow you away!