| Fans of Welsh rockers The Manic Street Preachers have been holding their breath for the arrival of the band's eighth studio album. Will Send Away The Tigers be evidence of another new musical twist? Might they revert to their old fiery ways? In fact, Send Away The Tigers does both. An intriguing blend of backwards-looking nostalgia and forward motion, fans might be pleased to learn, first of all, that the album features its fair share of anthems. "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough," (which features Cardigans singer Nina Persson), "Indian Summer," "Autumnsong" and "The Second Great Depression" all boast catchy choruses and are underpinned by the stadium-rock aesthetic of the good old days. The Manic's political fire also remains intact, shifting emphasis to the Iraq war with mediocre songs like "Imperial Bodybags", while the title track and "Rendition" indicate a slightly more innovative direction. It's no Holy Bible, nor a Generation Terrorists - but Send Away The Tigers does show the boys can still make a glorious racket when they try. --Danny McKenna |
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