Tonic Mixtape: Manchester Orchestra

Manchester Orchestra singer Andy Hull was still a teenager when his Atlanta-based band released its first album, "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child," came out in 2007. Now a few years older and wiser, Hull & Co. return with a vengeance on their sophomore disc, "Mean Everything To Nothing."

"There is nothing fake about this record," says the grizzly-faced Hull. "There's not one fake sound on it. We recorded it live because we wanted it to sound like a band, and I think it does -- live and loud!"

Inspired by acts like Nirvana, the Foo Fighters and Weezer, M.O. channels its high energy through hard-soft dynamics, heavy melodies and textured keyboards with lyrics that express the frustrations of a young man coming of age. The band's extended touring for the first album -- which put them on the road with Kings of Leon, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Say Anything, Brand New and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club -- naturally played a part in helping the group capture more energy in the studio.

While the album is filled with fierce rockers, the very best song is the melodic single "I've Got Friends," which is featured below. You can also check out the band on their latest tour, which is currently hitting Midwest towns like Omaha, Des Moines and Tulsa.