Man Alive

Everything Everything was formed in Manchester in 2007 after Jonathan Higgs and Jeremy Pritchard met at Salford University. They were later joined by Higgs's Northumberland school friends Michael Spearman and Alex Niven. High concept coursed through Everything Everything from the start, as they unknowingly named themselves after a Radiohead song, similar to how Radiohead named themselves after a Talking Heads song. Soon, there was significant record company interest in their work.

Niven eventually left the group to pursue his doctorate at Oxford and was replaced by Alex Robertshaw. This lineup remains intact today. Working with Bat For Lashes producer David Kosten (aka Faultline), the recording of Man Alive was completed mainly in a chapel in North Wales. The album sounded unique, standing the test of time even years later.

Man Alive was just the beginning of the group's adventures in blending mismatched styles of music together. The result was often exhilarating, with influences ranging from Brazilian drums and prog guitar breakdowns in "Schoolin'" to classical influences in other tracks. The subject matter delved into unconventional topics, such as exploring different Americas in "MY KZ, UR BF" and examining imperialism in "Qwerty Finger".

The album's artwork, featuring a photograph of a fox by Swiss photographer Laurent Geslin, tied into the theme of depression in the track "Tin (The Manhole)". Released in August 2010, Man Alive made the UK Top 20 and received positive reviews. BBC Music praised the group for their songcraft and ability to give depth and light to their music.

Man Alive was shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Music Prize. The original LP edition of the album is now considered rare, as it was released before the 'vinyl revival', with original pressings now selling for high prices.