News - Manchester Orchestra
With a physical release penned for the later date of April 7th, Atlanta alt-rockers Manchester Orchestra have digitally released their reinvigorating new album The Valley of Vision.
Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez
Lead single “The Way” illustrates the journey of losing one’s self and rediscovering if again, a story that has been several years in the making. Prolonged periods of grief and trauma are at the forefront of the record, with lead vocalist Andy Hull pouring his all into the song writing process - crafting a beautifully poignant body of work as a result. Taking listeners on a roller-coaster of emotions, heavily encouraging the resurface of buried memories may prove quite the challenge, but it’s a challenge that Manchester Orchestra; with such capabilities, welcomes.
Accompanying the six-song length release is a captivating cinematic experience, presented in the format of a 180-degree 3D virtual reality which saw its global premiere via the band’s YouTube channel. Directed by Isaac Deitz who shot the film spanning a year-long journey through changing seasons, the visuals perfectly encapsulate and enhance the album’s core themes of life and death, change and growth, forgiving oneself and letting go.
“Experiencing the film in its intended 180-degree, 3D VR format feels like downloading a dream into your head,” recalls Deitz. “Each symbol represents a different experience nested in our internal worlds; it's up to you whether you want to just enjoy them, or try to interpret what the dream means."
Hull adds: “Making The Valley of Vision was an exciting idea of what the future could be for us in terms of how we create. None of these songs were written with the band being in the same room in a live setting. They were really like science experiments that started from the bottom and were added to gradually over time. We’re intrigued by doing things the wrong way, or attempting things we haven’t done before and getting inspired by them.”
The band will be performing two very special acoustic shows at London’s Union Chapel on 13th & 15th May.
