Send Away the Tigers

Manic Street Preachers sound anew

A band that has had its ups and downs during almost seventeen years of its existence and lost one of its members back in 1995, Manic Street Preachers has certainly become one of the most important and influential British bands. The creations of Manic Street Preachers always have a political flavor and reflect the most significant world events. Lately the band has not been too successful, and many even spoke of a crisis the guys have found themselves in, for some other earlier works, such as 2004's Lifeblood and 2001's Know Your Enemy, have not received much critical acclaim. Whether it was a crisis or not, this year the band returns with a giddy success. Stunning new record Send Away The Tigers combines the spirit and energy of the very first records, classic rock and roll tendencies and absolutely new sounding of Manic Street Preachers which witnesses that the second breath has finally come. This creation offers everything that the fans have been longing for: vociferous choruses, hard, witty and at times humorous lyrics, fire and fury. 

Send Away The Tigers deserves the highest mark

Although the album is not devoid of such topics as friendship, relations and psychology, all this is presented as being under the influence of politics. The opener, title song Send Away The Tigers, great on guitars, is closely connected with war in Iraq and the way people behave when they cannot control their instincts and panic, and Underdogs, a punk composition, most reminds of the band's debut album Generation Terrorists and embraces deep psychological problems. The most radio-friendly track Your Love Alone Is Not Enough features Nina Perrson from The Cardigans and pleases with its catchy tune, pleasant rhythm and topical lyrics, while Indian Summer, one of the album's highlights, is an epic composition flavored by optimistic attitude towards the future no matter what. Another outstanding track is The Second Great Depression, its powerful chorus and unforgettable instrumentation is sure to persuade everyone that Manic Street Preachers has got into the saddle again. An amazing ballad Autumnsong infects with its emotions rendered by guitars and Bradfield's felt singing, whereas I Am Just A Patsy is a much more aggressive and darker song about hopelessness. On the whole the professional growth of each member is obvious, and Send Away The Tigers deserves the highest mark. 

Persistence, commitment and flawless professionalism

Manic Street Preachers front man James Dean Bradfield is rightfully considered one of the best singers of his time, which has been proved by his last year's solo album The Great Western. In fact when the album was released some might have thought that there was no more chance for Manic Street Preachers to win the former fame back and become united, but Send Away The Tigers has confidently proved the opposite. The album that is going to attract new fans to the Welsh collective adumbrates the beginning of a new era in its creative work and inspires more than anything. This year the band is planning to go for a tour around the UK and some European countries, and there is no doubt that the new songs will make everyone present at shows go mad. Topical subject, a new sound, multiplied power undoubtedly make Send Away The Tigers one of the best rock-albums of the current year, and for Manic Street Preachers itself it has become nothing but the evidence of persistence, commitment and flawless professionalism.