MJ Lenderman’s “Manning Fireworks” is a new and colorful addition to indie music

Alternative country, indie twang—whatever you want to call it, indie rock guitar hero, MJ Lenderman’s, album “Manning Fireworks” has had both fans and critics alike raving since it was released in Sept. 2024. But what exactly makes this album so beloved?

I remember the first time I ever heard MJ Lenderman. It was around the same time as the release of “Boat Songs” but the song I heard was “Someone Get the Grill Out of the Rain” from the 2021 album “Ghost of Your Guitar Solo.” I was in high school at the time and the song was sent to me by a boy I had a crush on. I remember sitting on my back porch in the summer morning shade with my earbuds in and listening to the song a couple times over. I remember the raw, simple and yearning sound of Lenderman’s voice singing about something both a little funny and a little sad paired with the understated guitar and slow drum beat. 

I immediately fell in love with Lenderman’s music and the almost nostalgic feeling it gave me. Although Lenderman’s sound has changed a lot since then. Especially with the better-quality production and the shift to more of an alternative country sound in “Manning Fireworks” than his indie garage rock roots. Yet, he still manages to maintain that authentic, somewhat sad and ironic feeling that fans have loved him for since the beginning.

Unpacking the Charm Within Lenderman’s Music

Before the release of “Manning Fireworks,” I might have said it was his vocal timbre combined with the raw, underproduced quality of his earlier work. However, “Manning Fireworks” certainly isn’t underproduced, and yet it hasn’t lost the unique charm I once attributed to that rawness. 

Since listening to the album, I’ve realized that what defines Lenderman’s music is his lyrics. Since the beginning of his songwriting career Lenderman’s lyrics have been witty, clever, funny and yet still sincere. They earnestly and sorrowfully comment on the absurdity of modern life in a way that doesn’t feel too serious with lines like “Kahlúa shooter/ DUI scooter” and “We sat under a half mast McDonald’s Flag”. It’s this blend of wit and heartfelt reflection as well as his ability to balance the absurd with the sincere that gives his songs a relatability and depth that his listeners love.

After releasing three singles over the summer– “She’s Leaving You,” “Joker Lips” and “Wristwatch–” Lenderman released his highly anticipated fifth solo album through Anti- and Epitaph records on Sept. 6. Within a week, the album gained significant traction and praise from indie music fans. “Manning Fireworks” not only solidifies Lenderman’s place in indie rock and alternative country, but it also lends to establishing Lenderman’s voice as a songwriter and refining his distinct sound.

Growing Out of Comfort Zones

“Manning Fireworks” feels like Lenderman has found his sound. This album differs from his previous music because it sounds much more cohesive and stands alone as an entire body of work. Listening to the album you can tell that Lenderman had a clear artistic vision in mind when writing each song. In contrast to his past albums, “Manning Fireworks” also features a much more refined, higher quality production style instead of the raw underproduced sound he’s leaned towards in the past, suggesting growth and evolution in his musical style.

The indie music fans are not the only ones loving “Manning Fireworks.” The album has received significant praise from music critics. 

Stereogum reviewed the album and said, “‘Manning Fireworks’ is one of the best albums of the year. If this summer was defined by Charli XCX’s hedonistic Brat, then we’re entering Manning Fireworks fall: the aftermath of the relentless partying, the hangovers that give everything a sad yet sublime texture, the flood of blurry memories from the night before. ‘Manning Fireworks’ is a masterpiece about quotidian misery that’s as playful and comforting as a best friend”.

The Pitchfork review reads, “The Asheville singer-songwriter’s outstanding fourth album is loaded with zingers and losers. It’s witty and sincere, the mark of a songwriter finding his voice”.

In the NPR review, they wrote, “MJ Lenderman, the North Carolina-based indie-rock bard who has just released his fifth solo album, ’Manning Fireworks,’ locates its most poignant moment of heartbreak in a perfectly pedestrian location”.

“Manning Fireworks” showcases MJ Lenderman’s growth as both a songwriter and an artist. Even though his sound has evolved from the raw, underproduced charm of his earlier albums, he has not lost the essence of what makes his music so great: his clever, heartfelt lyrics and ability to balance humor with the sincere.

You can listen to the album here! Tickets are sold out for MJ Lenderman at Soundwell on Feb. 24. We hope to see you there!