★★★☆☆

Manchester Orchestra, a five-man rock band, has gained slow but steady success over the years. Formed in 2004, the band has released several albums, has been featured on shows such as Gossip Girl, Skins and UFC, and is currently touring the United States, Canada and the UK. While Manchester Orchestra is relatively unknown in the US mainstream scene, the band certainly has a faithful fanbase. Currently, over 10 of their concerts are already sold out for the upcoming two months.

At first glance, the band strongly resembles Mumford and Sons, with the flannel, long beards and relative lack of excessive body art and piercings seen in the typical rocker types. However, Manchester Orchestra is defining itself in an entirely new way, breaking the stereotypical rocker look and creating its own definition of “rocker.” In their new fourth studio album “Cope,” the band does not delve into other styles and stays true to a strong rock sound.

In “Cope,” the band offers the sounds of heavy electric guitar, clashing drums and poetic lyrics written by front man Andy Hull. The album explores several situations in each track but, as part of the central theme, offers different ways in which one can cope with problems at hand. While listening to the album, an uninformed listener could easily dismiss Manchester Orchestra as a lesser version of Linkin Park or Green Day. However, it must be noted that Manchester Orchestra’s front man Andy Hull’s voice is so distinctive and nebulous that it is particularly difficult to find one particular artist to compare him to.

The album opens with the explosive and aggressive track “Top Notch” which then seamlessly transitions into the more alternative, albeit still aggressive, track “Choose.”

The next track, “Girl Harbor” is told from the perspective of a bitter girl who is angry at the broken promises of her beau. He states from her perspective: “So now your last name is mine/ and I feel no different/ I made a match that’s trying to prove/ Trying to find a way I can explain.”

What is interesting about this track and many other tracks on the album is the vagueness presented in Hull’s lyricism. While there are storylines in many of the tracks, the plots are so flexible that they are applicable to myriad situations. Yet, at the same time, Hull eloquently describes the specific emotions associated with these situations.

Other interesting tracks on the album are “Indentions” and “See It Again.” Though they are both also electric guitar and drum-set ridden, they offer a vulnerable side of Manchester Orchestra. There is no argument that Hull portrays vulnerability in other tracks, however, the openness and tenderness in Hull’s tone in these tracks against the electric guitar offers an arresting contrast. In “Indentions,” his lyrics are especially captivating against the tone and the melody.

While the listener is not sure of the exact events Hull is expressing, the listener is cognizant that something of massive importance was destroyed and the character in the song is attempting to cope with the loss. “See It Again” is another track that specifically addresses loss. Though not explicitly stated, the story implies a loss of a loved one by a car accident. One sees again how the sad wailing of Hull offers an interesting contrast to his poetic lyrics.

The main issue with “Cope” is that the band does not delve into other styles or genres. Throughout the whole album, each track is laden with electric guitar and the clashing drums. As a result, there is no doubt that this album will not appeal to an audience that is uninterested in indie or heavy rock. Though Manchester Orchestra mixes up the slow and fast tracks in order to keep interest, one can easily see “Cope” as monotonous and unchanging. However, if one is interested in hearing truly skilled manipulation of poetry and lyrics, then this album would be a strong example. Despite the issues of monotony, “Cope” is a good album to listen to if one wants to hear a decent new rock album.