CD Review

Oh, if only all pop rock was made by these four Brits! The band has been able to craft gorgeous, infectious and addictive power pop, the likes of which is rarely seen on this side of the big pond. With their first studio album since 2000's Howdy, Man- Made kicks off with “It’s All In My Mind,” as the group builds on a simplistic but picture-perfect arrangement, which features the foursome’s gorgeous harmonies, fine guitar work and a 4/4 backbeat that won’t quit. The longstanding quartet of Norman Blake, Gerard Love, Francis Macdonald, and Raymond McGuinley make terrific summer-sounding songs Weezer can only dream of these days.

At times though, this perfection and precision almost becomes routine judging by the mid-tempo, somewhat maudlin “Nowhere.” Thankfully they return to a great, up-tempo form during “Slow Fade” which has anything but a slow-fade. However, the piano ballad of “Only With You” certainly consists of a slow piano fade, while the sleeper pick of the record is the slow meets fast number called “Cells.” Fans of groups like Tom Petty, Matthew Sweet and Gin Blossoms will bask in this record immediately, especially during the happy-go-lucky “Feel.”

The high level of consistency is another asset Teenage Fanclub is known for, and the stellar “Flowing” is nothing less than ideal. This band has never reinvented the wheel, but instead dazzled fans and critics by beautifully polishing each sonic tire. Man-Made is no different.