Man/Woman/Chainsaw's 'Cannonball' is a wild ride through the realms of experimental pop, a debut that packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression. This album is a testament to the band's unique sound, blending shoegazey guitars, soaring violins, and pure pop melodies into a cohesive and captivating whole. It's a journey that takes the listener through a range of emotions, from the honey-drenched 'Canyons' to the gritty 'Still Angry', and the soulful 'Lighter'.
The band's history is a testament to their dedication and talent. Formed at 16, they spent years honing their sound in a converted vicarage and sweaty pub backrooms, playing over 100 gigs by the age of 19. This early experimentation and relentless pursuit of their unique sound have paid off, resulting in an album that is both playful and emotionally direct.
One of the standout tracks is 'Nosedive', a strutting mash-up of cinematic tension, bolstered by the pre-coming-up magic of LCD Soundsystem and the nerdy dancefloor clarion call of Los Campesinos. It's a song that will make for a blissed-out festival sing-along, and it showcases the band's ability to create a catchy and memorable hook.
'Godddamn, Lizard Man!' is another standout track, an assured modern update of Nick Cave's 'Red Right Hand' for the modern age of super-creeps. It's a song that warns of a funny guy who'll greet you with a kiss but who'll suck your blood and hang you up to dry. The hell-bound tango of 'Flick Of The Wrist' and the slow-burning nightmare folk of 'Get Up And Dance' further showcase the band's versatility and ability to create a range of moods and emotions.
The album 'Cannonball' comes on leaps and bounds from the raw ambition of the debut EP 'Eazy Peasy' to create an album that leans into the experimental but never falls over into over-indulgence. It's a testament to the band's ability to balance their unique sound with a sense of playfulness and emotional directness. This is an album that will make you dance, smile, tremble, and weep, and it's sure to be a strong contender for the Mercury Prize in 2027.
In my opinion, Man/Woman/Chainsaw's 'Cannonball' is one of the most accomplished debuts of the year. It's an album that showcases the band's unique sound, their dedication to their craft, and their ability to create a range of moods and emotions. This is a band that is definitely one to watch, and I'm excited to see what they do next.
