Manic Street Preachers - Rewind The Film

Rhetoric, politics, activism and vitriol. That’s what the Manic Street Preachers are all about, right? We want them snarling, all balaclavas and feather boas, belting out ‘Faster’ at a hundred miles an hour. Well, maybe not, and certainly not on ‘Rewind The Film’. There’s barely an electric guitar on the Manics’ latest full length. Instead, it’s lush strings, grand arrangements and Richard ‘I’ll Make Your Album Significantly More Brilliant’ Hawley. While it may not be what’s written on most fans’ wish list, it’s always been true that, when tempered, the Manic Street Preachers have a special kind of magic touch. ‘Show Me The Wonder’ is testament to the fact that a happy Welshman is a great thing. All sweeping brass and awestruck lyrics, it’s like a wide eyed Professor Brian Cox kicking back after one too many slush puppies. Add to that Hawley’s spellbinding turn on the title track, and Lucy Rose’s brilliant cameo on opener ‘This Sullen Welsh Heart’, and you’re left with a refreshingly enjoyable album.