#Simple math manchester orchestra movie

It’s that idea of a (sort of) God versus man, and forever trying to figure out one’s role in the world. He looks for meaning in interaction and reaction in his (and our) actions and words, extrapolating a worldview that at once feels immense, yet insular. Of course, it might seem the height of hubris to create a concept album about yourself and your perceived complexity – and, in fact, it kind of is – but that’s always been how Hull has approached writing. No, Simple Math revolves around Hull musing on a fictional infidelity and going from there. In fact, considering the confessionary (almost Bright Eyes-esque) character of Andy Hull’s writing in the past, it kind of seems redundant to tag it with the term ‘concept’ – it’s not as if he was going to craft a rock opera about King Arthur on ice (thanks for the joke that keeps on giving, Rick Wakeman).

#Simple math manchester orchestra movie

So for Manchester Orchestra to make a concept album, that it’s about their burly leader and his metaphysical struggles – with God, nature and his wife – is about as surprising as Mike Myers making a movie that doesn’t feel ridiculously dated as soon as its released, and makes perfect sense for the band. Not shy of espousing his thoughts and feelings on his world, he is immensely open and – at times painfully – honest. Balancing that out on a concept album is even more fraught with danger than being the chambermaid for the head of the IMF.īut Hull is a strange and unique figure in music today. But, in a battle as timeless as one between the Valorians and the Rulons, Hull and Manchester Orchestra, the band he forms the songwriting axis and power of, have to balance out the sheer brutish, bearded nature of rock ‘n’ roll and the tender, lovingly curious ponderings that remain the heart of great songwriting. Behind Andy Hull’s voluptuous beard lies a gentle, inquisitive heart.