LABEL: Loma Vista
VINYL RELEASE DATE: 7/28/2017
ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 2017
VARIANT: Black Vinyl 2LP

A Black Mile to the Surface is a bold record of vision and purpose, inspired by and dwelling in a sensory and imaginative experience. It’s a reinvention of sorts, both musically and personally-a sort of cosmic worldview shift. But in the end, the record’s themes are universal. Inspired by their experience creating the score for the film Swiss Army Man, they seized the chance to rethink Manchester Orchestra’s typical methods of working. This process gave them new ideas of how to think about writing, how songs could flow, and how to layer melodies on top of one another to propel the tune into a new emotional arena. To manifest this vision, the band turned to producer Catherine Marks (Foals, PJ Harvey, The Killers, Interpol) and began working with her at Echo Mountain studio in Asheville. In addition to mixing with Marks at her Assault & Battery studio in London, Manchester Orchestra also worked with John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions In The Sky, Angel Olsen, Cloud Nothings) in Los Angeles – gathering new sounds, adding to and widening the songs’ dimensions. Encouraged to go against first instinct, each collaborator added their own touch to the music, pushing it to places no Manchester Orchestra record had ever gone before. This standard LP = 2xLP, black vinyl, 130g, etching on side D, single jacket (but double wide spine), and MP3 download card.

Album Info Hide Show Artist: Manchester Orchestra Album: A Black Mile To The Surface Released: US, Aug 2022 Tracklist: A1 The Maze A2 The Gold A3 The Moth A4 Lead, SD B1 The Alien B2 The Sunshine B3 The Grocery C1 The Wolf C2 The Mistake C3 The Parts C4 The Silence Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 211 High St, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $150 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. We also ship internationally – prices vary depending on weight and location. We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records. In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times. If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately. We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show Manchester Orchestra’s album “A Black Mile to the Surface,” released on July 28, 2017, is a stunning exploration of personal and collective struggles, wrapped in a sound that is both expansive and intimate. This album marks a significant evolution for the band, showcasing their growth not just in musicality but also in lyrical depth. The record has been well-received by critics and fans alike, earning a spot on numerous year-end lists and solidifying Manchester Orchestra’s place in the contemporary rock landscape. From the very first track, “The Maze,” listeners are drawn into a world that feels both haunting and hopeful. The production, helmed by the bands frontman Andy Hull and longtime collaborator Catherine Marks, is lush and atmospheric, creating a soundscape that perfectly complements the introspective lyrics. The album’s themes revolve around loss, identity, and the search for meaning, which resonate deeply in todays tumultuous world. Hull’s songwriting shines as he navigates these heavy topics with a poetic touch, making the personal feel universal. Standout tracks like “Lead, Sadness” and “The Gold” showcase the bands ability to blend powerful instrumentation with poignant storytelling. “The Gold” is particularly noteworthy, with its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm that invites listeners to sing along while grappling with the weight of its message. The juxtaposition of uplifting melodies with darker lyrical content is a hallmark of Manchester Orchestra’s style, and this track exemplifies that beautifully. Critics have praised “A Black Mile to the Surface” for its ambitious scope and emotional resonance. Publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone highlighted the album’s intricate arrangements and Hull’s evocative vocal delivery. Pitchfork described it as a “masterclass in emotional storytelling,” while Rolling Stone noted that the album feels like a journey through the complexities of life, making it relatable to a wide audience. The album has also garnered nominations for various awards, further cementing its impact in the music industry. One of the most interesting aspects of the album is its conceptual nature. Hull has mentioned in interviews that the album is a reflection of his own experiences and the stories of those around him, particularly focusing on the struggles of his hometown in Georgia. This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity to the music, making it feel like a shared experience rather than just a collection of songs. The band even incorporated elements of their live shows into the album, creating a sense of continuity between their performances and the recorded material. The album’s title, “A Black Mile to the Surface,” is a metaphor for the journey through darkness to find light, which resonates with many listeners who have faced their own challenges. This theme of resilience is woven throughout the album, making it not just a collection of songs, but a narrative that invites listeners to reflect on their own lives. The closing track, “The Silence,” encapsulates this journey perfectly, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and introspection. In terms of production, the album features a mix of traditional rock instrumentation with more experimental sounds, including strings and ambient textures. This blend creates a rich auditory experience that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. The attention to detail in the production is evident, with each layer adding depth to the overall sound. Overall, “A Black Mile to the Surface” is a remarkable album that showcases Manchester Orchestra’s evolution as artists. Its a record that invites you to listen closely, to feel deeply, and to reflect on your own journey. Whether youre a long-time fan or new to their music, this album is a must-listen, offering a powerful blend of emotion, artistry, and authenticity that is hard to find in todays music scene. If you havent yet taken the plunge into this sonic landscape, I highly recommend you do soyou might just find a piece of yourself within its depths. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review