Album Review: TV Broke My Brain // Man Made

Though some may turn up their nose at the release of another Mancunian guitar record, there is nothing to be sneered at on Man Made‘s debut LP.

It’s been a long time coming too, as the band has evolved from humble beginnings as frontman Nile Marr’s solo outfit, into a fully fledged rock trio, incorporating Scott Strange on bass and Callum Rogers on drums. A series of singles, sporadic EPs and Soundcloud-only releases have not only garnered a dedicated fanbase, but has also left them desperate for a full album.

TV Broke My Brain is unlikely to disappoint. Opening track and single ‘Carsick Cars’ sets the tone with it’s effervescent melodies and punchy riff. It’s a classic indie single as we know it, but the effortless songwriting prowess gives it more than enough charm to raise it above the rest. More tracks of the same formula punctuate the album, like the breezy lead single ‘Bring Some’ and the sanguine ‘High Tech Low Life’. Both display an impressive knack for soaring melodies and a catchy hook, layered with lush vocal harmonies and graceful guitar work that could only come from the hands of a Marr.

Yep, there’s the elephant in the room. But, it has to be said that there is a feeling of regret when dropping the name of Nile’s father now, as Man Made have successfully escaped the possibility of being written off as “Johnny Marr’s son’s band”. Although Nile inherits that famous intricate style and fondness for flowing minor chords, this record is not a Smiths rewrite or a MADchester throwback. In fact, the band take their main influences from across the pond, including the likes of Fugazi and Modest Mouse. This is most evident in the superb double whammy of ‘You Never Know How It Feels’ and ‘Raining In My Head’, both of which are dense with a scratchy, post-grunge sound over a laid-back groove. Rad.

Elsewhere on the album, you’ll find songs that date back to Nile’s solo period, such as ‘All Mine’ and the dramatic closer, ‘Slow Dance’, all of which have a slower, minor-key feel. These songs are easily identifiable as the focus is entirely on the guitar and the vocal, but nonetheless, they translate well to a full band situation and add some engaging variety to an already commendable LP.

Most commendable of all, though, is the apparent rallying cry within the lyrics against the modern infatuation with technology, and how it consumes our lives. This becomes a theme for the album, cropping up in the self explanatory title track, and the driving ‘Plastic Key To Living’, which declares such frustrated couplets as “plugged in, lost out / so much, we’re dumbed down […] turn on, log off / this is not enough.” It’s progressive but not cynical, and it’s refreshing to hear in a time when musicians tend to keep their mouths shut.

So, it transpires that Man Made’s debut was worth the wait. Striking a difficult balance between optimism and activism, they have emerged as one of the most vibrant guitar groups around. At odds with the laziness and apathy of modern society, they have created a record so energetic and youthful that it is brimming with potential. TV may have broken our brains, but Man Made are making steps towards putting them back together.

TV Broke My Brain is available for pre-order now here

Words by Matthew Smith