2022’s Boat Songs propelled North Carolina string-bender MJ Lenderman into the vernacular. A marriage of witty lyrics, twanging guitars, and indie pomp with a mountain drawl delivery and a grungy attitude. Since, Lenderman has been bouncing about and building up a reputation as a spontaneous livewire guitarist when placed in front of a crowd. In between all of this – somehow – he has pieced together a record of significant growth. Manning Fireworks not only showcases the further-honed guitar pyrotechnics Lenderman is becoming best known for but displays his notable development as a literate songwriter with a 21st century lilt.