Manic Street Preachers: Critical Thinking

★★★★☆

Now on their fifteenth album, surely the Manics should sound a bit worn out by now? While they have stuck to the same synth-drenched sound for the third album in a row (an unusual choice for the Welsh trio), Critical Thinking is still up-to-scratch. With bassist Nicky Wire taking over lead vocals on some of the tracks, there’s a wide sonic range across the album with something there for everyone. From the more upbeat, synth-y Decline & Fall, the slower-paced and bittersweet My Brave Friend (written about former bandmate Richey Edwards, who disappeared in 1995 and hasn’t been seen since) and the driven, anthemic album closer OneManMilitia, each listener is bound to find at least one song to their tastes. The lack of political lyrics was noticeable, with more of a focus on topics such as nostalgia— one which Wire has returned to countless times in recent years. There’s nothing wrong with songs like Dear Stephen, but considering the band’s politics have become one of their hallmark features over the years it’s something that is sorely missed. It might not be cool to like the same music as your mum for the most part but this lot manage to always find themselves the exception and their newest effort is no different. While the next generation of glammed-up teenagers draped in feather boas and fake leopard fur might find themselves belting out songs of a different theme than their predecessors, there’s no mistaking that they will be there. After all, there’s a reason we all keep coming back to the Manics for more.

Top tracks: Hiding in Plain Sight, Dear Stephen, My Brave Friend, OneManMilitia

For fans of: The Smiths, Fall Out Boy, The Libertines