Source: Spotify
Yet again, the Brixton Windmill scene has been the foundation of one of my favourite artists. Founded in 2019, Man/Woman/Chainsaw are a six-piece art-rock band from London, who combine a past of punk-influenced dramatics with slightly softer pop sensibilities. Their debut album Cannonball was released at the beginning of August, and already I’m obsessed.
The opening track 'Only Girl' has no hesitation. With a sharp snare drum, we are launched straight into a cascade of gritty guitars and hearty violin – an instrument which I am thrilled to see becoming more prominent in contemporary rock music. Vocalist and bassist Vera Leppänen’s soaring voice perfectly bridges the gap between devastating pop ballads and heavier rock, encapsulating the straddled position between craving someone’s love whilst knowing that you’re likely not the only one receiving it.
The band’s affinity for seamlessly blending genres continues in 'Canyons'. The track begins with a gentle piano, luring us in with a false sense of serenity before all the instruments crescendo into a devastating chorus. The instruments are expertly layered as the band adds and removes them, thus creating a defiant sense of textured three-dimensionality. They absolutely shine in songs like 'Goddamn, Lizard Man!' and 'The Thing', where heavy bass and guitar are overlaid by softer piano riffs and twinkly violin harmonies.
Speaking of violin, one of the standout elements of Cannonball is violinist Clio Starwood – it’s no wonder one of their earlier singles is titled 'Ode to Clio.' Sprinkled perfectly throughout songs like 'Something Else to Give', 'Nosedive' and 'Get Up and Dance,' Starwood’s stunningly intricate playing adds a layer to their music which, in my opinion, really sets them apart from being just another rock band. It enhances the melancholy in some songs whilst bringing a certain brightness to others.
I think this a very strong debut album with many standout moments, though I do feel like it’s obvious the band are still trying to figure out their style. Of course, with six band members and their recent decision to implement a more pop-forward sound into their original punky art-rock, there is going to be a certain level of genre-hopping. However, despite their ability to blend genres in individual songs, I feel like some songs exist on opposite ends of the music spectrum and it slightly impacts the album’s sonic cohesion. For example, I would add tracks like 'The Thing' and 'Flick of the Wrist' to a playlist with groups like The Orchestra (For Now) and My New Band Believe. Meanwhile, songs like 'Lighter' and 'Still Angry' fit better with artists such as Etta Marcus or the band's Windmill contemporary mary in the junkyard. Man/Woman/Chainsaw clearly shows excellent range, but I hope they lean more into the original sound that is starting to peek through in other songs.
A great example of this emerging style is the lead single 'Nosedive,' which is actually the song that properly got me into Man/Woman/Chainsaw after only casual listening. Although I am – perhaps controversially – a big fan of bands who switch vocalists between tracks, songs where all three lead vocalists (Billy Ward, Emmie-May Avery, and Vera Leppänen) harmonise together are definitely their strongest. The way the instruments slowly come in one by one prepares you for their great lyrical metaphors which feel consistent enough to maintain meaning, but don’t feel like they are overcrowded or dragged. Something about the melody of the song’s repeated plea “Baby get me back up over you” is at once devastating and hopeful, as the outro soars and dips with each refrain. I can already tell that 'Nosedive' will be a crowd pleaser, allowing audiences to yell along and vent their frustrations about difficult relationships and complicated feelings. It is hugely captivating, and a must-listen for this album. I really hope they embrace this style; there is clearly a goldmine within that “cardboard house.”
Overall, this is a very promising debut album that has hit my Spotify like a literal cannonball. They have perfectly satisfied my craving for other artists like Black Country, New Road and Divorce, whilst also bringing an unpredictable genre-blend which feels refreshing and exciting. If you are looking for a new album to soundtrack the end of summer, Cannonball’s hopeful melancholy makes it the perfect choice.
