Slacker rock may be the best way to return to a relaxed state of mind. You need a chance to recuperate when a series of unfortunate instances occur. Where the little things may cause big problems there is always some defiant tone in the lacklustre spectacle when put through the lens of relaxed guitar music. Slack off and calm down. It all works well for Manning Fireworks, the latest MJ Lenderman album. You’ve got to find the willpower. This overwhelming ability to push through even when everything in the day has gone wrong. Manning Fireworks has the grooves of this urge to continue. Few have it, and those who do will end up burnt out and thrown away before the day ends. But it is the push which keeps us thriving and also what keeps MJ Lenderman a fascinating listen.
Ignore the first few notes of this being relatively similar to the King of the Hill theme, move on and enjoy the country-like tones of acoustic joy. Perhaps the similarity comes from exhaustion. Of watching the journey of Hank Hill when nothing else can settle on the mind. Distracted brains are no use and Manning Fireworks does well to sift through the consequences of everyday disorder. Its titular opener is a wonderful documentation of distracted notions, beautifully crisp violin additions and a longing sense of adventure tickles the slacker side of its sound. Whether it is an overemotional Saturday or just the purity of his country-like tunes, MJ Lenderman weighs in with a short and sweet tearjerker in the form of Joker Lips. Despite its assured sound, there is a nervousness in the lyrical style, the trippy experience of Rudolph, which is technically a Christmas song, hits well.
There is a sense of Americana spirit to Manning Fireworks. Lived-in occasions and a reflection of the times. She’s Leaving You and Rudolph both make references to contemporary culture, from the debates over Eric Clapton as a guitarist to notes of interest on Lightning McQueen from Cars. There is a sense these may date the songs but with these influential figures, there is a timeliness to them. They have existed for far longer than MJ Lenderman as an artist and will likely outlast us all. Listen in to Lenderman and listen well. She’s Leaving You is a startling experience because it is not a lament to lost love but an encouraging afterthought, the reason she left is understandable. You have work to do, the bassline and vocal performance throughout are a chilling reminder but a genuine call to arms.
Heartfelt rock work is hard to come by. But the joys of Manning Fireworks are clear. On My Knees is the essential blur of the genre at its best, and what more could you want from Lenderman? This collection of brilliant occasions, the everyday seen as a dream, feels like such a welcome idea. It is harder to live this way than most would have us believe, but persevere like Lenderman and enjoy the spoils of a tumultuous life. Convincing guitar work should silence those dedicating themselves to social media spats lamenting the death of the guitar genre. Plenty to love in this one, and much of it will have all the right notes of personable, touching advice. Beautiful in spots, a real triumph of Lenderman’s sonic pursuit.
