The Fast Rise and Fall of the South

Kingsbury Manx

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 20, 2005)
• Original Release Date: September 20, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Yep Roc Records
• ASIN: B000AOVLBI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #242,403 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Rarely anymore does an indie band drop a new release that can considered unreservedly unique in both tone and delivery, but this record obliges on both counts. The Chapel Hill, N.C. foursome's fourth release is a swift departure from the more vociferous tendencies of earlier albums, but remains saturated in three-part harmonies that can be as lavish as the Beach Boys one song, as intimate as Simon & Garfunkel the next. With a Shins-like knack of sounding effortless and complex at the same time, the 13 songs are woven together by graceful acoustic backing, an entwined piano and an ensemble of banjo, trumpet and flute. But the lead voice of Bill Taylor never allows the arrangements to stray from the mood (save for two or three instances of restrained indulgence), and from the waltzy piano on "Harness and Wheel" to the trippy feedback that closes "Ol Mountainsides," the Kingsbury Manx have one of the year's great records--and a sound to call their own. --Scott Holter

American Songwriter Magazine

All signs point The Kingsbury Manx to a deserved seat next to The Shins in today's indie hierarchy

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hypnotically melodic downbeat shoe-gazery pop, December 11, 2005

By	hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Though there are modern touch points for this Chapel Hill, NC quartet's music -- Belle & Sebastian, for example -- the slightly sing-song vocals are often mindful of Village Green-era Ray Davies delivered in Zombies-styled minor keys with the hypno-dreamy style and far-ranging rock-electronica of Meddle-era Pink Floyd touched by freneticism of The Feelies. It's a smooth brew that produces flashes of recognition without ever dwelling on any one influence long enough to copy. And more to the point, the influences meld beautifully to produce hauntingly melodic songs that have both a folk-psych base and an electric-pop finish. Much like the tree branches in the cover photo, the music is spare in its dreamtime temperament, but complex in actual arrangement. Full kit drums are mixed low behind languid keyboards and stormy guitar feedback, with gentle acoustic guitars that are topped with pensive vocals. Penned entirely by Manx guitarist Bill Taylor, the album's mood ebbs and flows with impressionistic lyrics of hard work, misunderstandings and dashed expectations. All in all, a captivating disc. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2005 hyperbolium dot com]

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very good, October 18, 2005

By	alexander laurence (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The Kingsbury Manx are a band that have been around for five years. They are from North Carolina. They are known for exotic psychedelic music. I have seen them play in New York City a few times. It's been loud, wild, and entertaining. This record is a little different. A guy from the band Wilco produced it. One member, Bill Taylor, wrote the whole album. It is more acoustic and it is a quieter affair. "What A Shame" is almost like a Beatles song. Many of the songs start with a guitar strum or a piano line. This is a band that is inventive and very musical. "900 Years" has an interesting vocal part. They are a talented bunch that are becoming more like Wilco, M. Ward, and Sparklehorse. Maybe if they play more across the country, more people will absorb their potential. This is great stuff. It may be one of those great records that will be rediscovered again and again.

4.0 out of 5 stars Offers an interesting escape on its flight of fancy, March 23, 2009

By	loce_the_wizard "loce_the_wizard" (Lilburn, GA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"The Fast Rise and Fall of the South" forces one to conjure up similes and metaphors, as the music evokes a heady atmosphere of country air, sea salt, and yeast. Listening to the songs does require some attention as there are layers and subtleties plying one's ear, competing for your attention. Hints of Pink Floyd's Meddle (San Tropez, for instance) and more than a passing kinship to the shimmering sound of The Shins or understanding elegance of Warm in the Wake are apparent.

The air of lushness is sustained by piano and organ, but punctuated with unexpected percussion, jaunty guitar, trumpet, flute, and even some banjo. The mellotron proves both their best friend and worst enemy at spots--take your pick. At times, the band seems content to drift a bit and borrows a bit too much from the cupboard of its predecessors, but all in all, "The Fast Rise and Fall of the South" offers an interesting escape on its flight of fancy.