Man/Woman/Chainsaw's debut album, 'Cannonball', is a wild ride through the realms of experimental pop, showcasing the band's unique blend of shoegazey guitars, soaring violins, and pure pop melodies. With a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly new, the album is a testament to the band's talent and their ability to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience.
The album's opening track, 'Only Girl', sets the tone with a bang, quite literally, as the crack of a snare drum introduces a sea of sound. This is a band that isn't afraid to experiment, and they do so with a sense of joy and playfulness. 'Canyons' is a honey-drenched earworm, a vocal ballad that could easily be mistaken for Adele or Alicia Keys, but it's the band's twist on this familiar formula that makes it stand out. It's pop, but not as we know it, as it soon descends into a jarring, strings-assisted grunge assault, reminiscent of old-school dEUS.
The band's live performances are just as impressive as their studio work. With lead vocals shared by guitarist Billy Ward, keys player Emmie-Mae Avery, and bassist Vera Leppänen, they are a force to be reckoned with. The addition of violinist Clio Starwood, the earth-scorching guitar of Billy Doyle, and Lola Cherry's purposeful rhythms, Man/Woman/Chainsaw is a 12-legged beast on the attack. Their NME 100 status is well-deserved, and their ability to play over 100 gigs by the age of 19 is a testament to their talent and dedication.
The album's standout tracks include the 6 Music-dominating bonafide banger 'Nosedive', a strutting mash-up of cinematic tension, bolstered by the pre-coming-up magic of LCD Soundsystem and the nerdy dancefloor clarion call of Los Campesinos. 'Godddamn, Lizard Man!' is an assured modern update of Nick Cave's 'Red Right Hand', a warning of a funny guy who'll greet you with a kiss but who'll suck your blood and hang you up to dry. From the hell-bound tango of 'Flick Of The Wrist' to the slow-burning nightmare folk of 'Get Up And Dance', and the runaway desert rock of 'The Thing', the album is a diverse and dynamic listen.
'Cannonball' is an album that leans into the experimental but never falls over into over-indulgence. It's a giddily playful and emotionally direct album that makes you want to dance, smile, tremble, and weep. Man/Woman/Chainsaw is a band that is just around the corner from perfection, fine-tuning their engine to reach a cleaner and more regular lift-off. For now, 'Cannonball' is one of the most accomplished debuts of the year and a surefire Mercury Prize 2027 nominee. This cannonball makes one hell of a splash.
Release Date: August 7, 2026
Label: Fiction
