Who? Manchester Orchestra is actually a bunch of fresh-faced American lads who sidestep layers of extravagance for melodious and literate indie rock nuggets similar to the Weakerthans and Death Cab for Cutie. The Atlanta, GA crew includes vocalist/guitarist Andy Hull, bassist Jonathan Corley, drummer Jeremiah Edmond, keyboardist/vocalist Chris Freeman, and most recently, guitarist Robert McDowell. The You Brainstorm, I Brainstorm. But Brilliance Needs a Good Editor EP appeared through their Favorite Gentlemen imprint in 2005. Their studio full-length I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child surfaced last year.

What's the Deal? Positive feedback during Hull's junior year of high school prompted the burgeoning songwriter to concentrate fully on his music; about a year later, his Manchester Orchestra had evolved in sound and grown in number. Subsequent tour dates in 2006 (including SXSW and Lollapalooza appearances) began turning heads outside of the Southeast and boosted their steadily growing blog buzz. With the deceptively straightforward indie pop melodies of songs like "Wolves at Night" and "Alice and Interiors," it's no surprise the guys snagged an opening slot on Brand New's current (and largely sold-out) U.S. tour. COREY APAR

Fun Fact: Such was Hull's musical drive that he opted to home school himself senior year, trading in college applications and prom concerns for studio time writing and recording Manchester Orchestra's first EP.

Now Hear This:
Manchester Orchestra - "Wolves at Night" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
manchesterorchestra.com

Talk: Manchester Orchestra: a symphony to the ears or a bloody cacophony?