Man/Woman/Chainsaw's debut album, 'Cannonball', is a wild ride through the realms of experimental pop, showcasing their unique blend of shoegazey guitars, soaring violins, and pure pop melodies. This six-piece band from South London isn't your typical art-rock outfit; they're a force to be reckoned with, and their album is a testament to that. With a sound that's both playful and emotionally direct, they've crafted an album that will make you dance, smile, and maybe even weep.
One of the standout tracks is 'Nosedive', a strutting, cinematic banger that draws from the early Arcade Fire, the pre-coming-up magic of LCD Soundsystem, and the nerdy dancefloor calls of Los Campesinos. It's a perfect blend of tension and bliss, and it's already dominating the airwaves on 6 Music. Imagine it as the soundtrack to a summer festival sing-along, with its infectious chorus and groovy rhythm.
Another highlight is 'Godddamn, Lizard Man!', a modern update of Nick Cave's 'Red Right Hand' with a warning of a super-creep who'll greet you with a kiss but will suck your blood and hang you up to dry. It's a dark, vampyric gothic number that showcases the band's versatility and their ability to create a modern, assured update of a classic.
The album also features a range of other styles, from the hell-bound tango of 'Flick Of The Wrist' to the slow-burning nightmare folk of 'Get Up And Dance', the runaway desert rock of 'The Thing', and the trip-hop exorcism of 'Something Else To Give'. Each track showcases the band's raw ambition and their willingness to experiment without falling into over-indulgence.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw's 'Cannonball' is an accomplished debut that leans into the experimental while remaining giddily playful and emotionally direct. It's an album that will make you dance, smile, and maybe even weep, and it's a surefire nominee for the Mercury Prize in 2027. With their unique sound and their ability to balance the weird and the wonderful, this band is one to watch out for in the future.
