Less than a year after releasing ‘A Black Mile to the Surface,’ Georgia alternative rock band Manchester Orchestra release a cover of The Avett Brothers’ “No Hard Feelings.”  

Somehow, A Black Mile to the Surface, the 2017 studio album issued by Manchester Orchestra was neglected an album review on The Musical Hype.  Nonetheless, numerous song from the band’s latest project have earned spots a number of playlists, so there’s the silver lining.  Andy Hull and company return less than a year later with a new single, “No Hard Feelings.” “No Hard Feelings” isn’t a new song however – The Avett Brothers wrote and recorded it on their 2016 album, True Sadness.

How does Manchester Orchestra do covering The Avett Brothers? Well – was there expectations for anything less?  Andy Hull sounds terrific handling the lead vocals.  He doesn’t over- or under-sing, giving just the right balance to deliver a compelling performance.  As the record intensifies towards the end, he gives more oomph, but again, non troppo (not too much).  Like the vocal performance, the production is balanced.  Keyboards (pads) dominate the production work, contrasting the more rhythmic, folk-driven nature of the original.

Final Thoughts 

Andy Hull and Manchester Orchestra certainly do justice to The Avett Brothers’ “No Hard Feelings.” The contrasting interpretation may replace the acoustic guitars with keyboard textures, but the overall effect of the record emotionally and lyrically remains the same.  All in all, fine cover.

Manchester Orchestra • No Hard Feelings – Single • Loma Vista • Release: 3.30.18

Writers: Robert Crawford, Scott Avett & Timothy Avett « Producers: Andy Hull & Robert McDowell

Photo Credit: Loma Vista