MJ Lenderman introduces Autumn with the witty and sincere Manning Fireworks
Words by Sydney Po
Just as we approach autumn and say goodbye to summer, MJ Lenderman has brought us the perfect album to soundtrack the season. Manning Fireworks is the fourth album in Lenderman’s discography and is definitely one for the books. The raw, emotional sound he has shared with us should not be taken for granted, as both the lyrics and the instrumentals are not too flashy or overworked. This might be a bit on the nose for me personally, but this album sounds like walking through your college campus right at the start of the fall semester. I am for sure projecting my own life experience here because this album has been a staple during my 10 am bus ride to class.
During my first listen through of the album, “Wristwatch” immediately stood out. It is a prime example of one of those “nod your head along to” songs that would play as the sun sets over your hometown while you are blissfully ignorant to where life is taking you next. Yes, this might be dramatic, but the deep guitar tone and enticing lyrics have me contemplating life to a song about an Apple Watch. Never in my life did I think I would write a sentence like that. But the burning nostalgia runs rampant through each song, and convinces you to stay present in day to day life, even though life can be confusing and overwhelming.
The title track “Manning Fireworks” is a dreamy song, in the sense that the gentle twang of the guitar is one you feel you’ve definitely heard before. However, the lyrics “You once was a baby and now a jerk” juxtapose that feeling with somber imagery. The brutal honesty and the fear of growing into a person you did not expect yourself to be is sure to bring on some intense feelings and self-reflection.
In all honesty, I only recently started listening to MJ Lenderman, when my friend Jake introduced me to his music over this past summer. My first impression of him was through the stellar track, “Hangover Game”, which is now in my constant rotation. Still, I had little expectations when going into this album, yet they were easily exceeded with each and every track. I am truly such a sucker for a simple guitar riff and some funky storytelling in songs. This is definitely Lenderman’s strong suit, as every song I have heard from him includes some type of interesting plot or storyline. Overall, this album was a great way to wrap up “MJ Lenderman Summer”, as my friends and I were calling it, with its unbounded sound and immersive lyricism. Do yourself a favor and take a listen to the newest installment of MJ Lenderman’s discography below.
