Though rock may be on its last limbs in America, things are looking pretty good across the pond. In fact, if the latest release from the Manic Street Preachers is any indication, things are looking nothing short of amazing.
"Know Your Enemy," the latest release from the Welsh trio, is an astounding album that screams for acceptance into the American rock mainstream. With the energy of Oasis, depth of The Verve and diversity of Blur, the band embodies not only everything an exceptional rock group should possess, but it's also well-positioned on the track to major stateside success. Previously, critically acclaimed albums like 1999's "This is my Truth Tell Me Yours," have gone unnoticed. Manic hopes for that to change with "Enemy."
"Enemy" offers the most diverse selection of music since Moby's "Play." The album features political statements ("Baby Elian," "Freedom of Speech Won't Feed My Children") alongside stirring ballads ("Let Robeson Sing," "Ocean Spray"). Manic also touches on a '70s pop groove ("So Why So Sad"), brash rock ("Found that Soul") and even disco ("Miss Europa Disco Dancer").
"Enemy" opens with the furious "Soul," one of two songs designated to be released as a single. Lead singer and guitarist James Dean Bradfield adds vocal punch and grit to a song that otherwise would be dreadfully unbalanced by the heavy guitar accompaniment. The driving piano echoes traditional American 1950s rock 'n' roll, while a riveting guitar solo keeps the track fresh. The upbeat pace continues into "Ocean," a touching, mid-tempo ballad about Bradfield's mother's death from cancer. A mid-song solo complements this track as well, but this time from a guest trumpet player. The presence of the trumpet has conspicuous symbolism given the somber subject matter, but the quality of performance surpasses any semblance of clich
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